DAVE ROSS

When the roles were reversed

Oct 25, 2013, 8:46 AM | Updated: 9:54 am

Today we see Republicans outraged over the problems Americans are having signing up for a health care program that they voted against. At the same time Democrats defend it, and reassure us it’s going to be fixed.

Remarkably, seven years ago, it was just the opposite. Seven years ago, the Republicans had pushed through a plan to subsidize prescription drugs for Medicare patients: Medicare Part D.

But from the moment the plan when online, people were confused and Democrats were outraged.

“It is an outrage to be in the presence of people who are so confused and feeling abandoned,” said Senator Hillary Clinton.

Democrats criticized the plan for being too complicated, and a budget buster since it wasn’t paid for. Which was true, actually.

In any case, things were so bad, Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow demanded that the signup deadline be extended.

“Why should you be penalized because the government can’t get it’s act together?”

Sounds familiar, even though it was 7 1/2 years ago, but our story takes a twist. After lambasting the Republican Medicare plan, the Democrats did this:

“You give us a Democratic majority and we’ll give you a real Medicare prescription drug benefit,” said Stabenow.

They decided in 2006 to run on a promise of fixing the Republican plan.

And I was just thinking, considering the Republicans are hurting and how popular guaranteed health care is probably going to be, instead of running on a promise of repealing, why not run on a promise of fixing it?

It worked for the Democrats. In 2006, they won back the House – and that year a certain first-term senator decided to run for president.

Dave's Commentary

Dave Ross on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • listen to dave rossTune in to KIRO Newsradio weekdays at 5am for Dave Ross on Seattle's Morning News.

Dave Ross

car culture...

Dave Ross

Ross: Are we killing car culture? Or is car culture killing the US?

I don’t think the question is whether we're going to "kill" our car culture. The real question is can we stop our car culture from killing the U.S.?

4 days ago

drivers data insurance...

Dave Ross

Ross: As cars release driving data to insurance, is your driving my business?

Every move you make, every swerve you take, every lane change you fake – someone’s watching you. Do drivers have a right to keep driving data private?

11 days ago

rent control...

Dave Ross

Ross: Rent control was never the answer in Wash.

The rent control bill died in the Washington State Legislature this week, even though Democrats control both houses.

1 month ago

end of democracy...

Dave Ross

Ross: Conservative activist earns applause for pledging an ‘end of Democracy’

The theme from Jack Posobiec's speech is that Jan. 6 was a righteous attack not on democracy, but on those who threaten democracy.

1 month ago

Image: Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, is seen on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2023. (Photo: Alex Brand...

Dave Ross

Ross: Voters can help cull bad politicians from the herd early

Let's remember that just about every occupant of a higher office once occupied a lower office, and was put there by us, Dave Ross says.

1 month ago

Super Bowl celebration...

Dave Ross

Ross: The NFL does it again

The NFL once again put on a show that was able to keep me tuned in for four hours even though I had no stake in either team.

2 months ago

When the roles were reversed