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When President Barack Obama voiced support for the controversial "public option" during his nationally televised health care speech on Wednesday, the loudest cheers came from members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
In fact, just hours before Obama's speech, the more than two dozen CBC members held a press conference to support the president's plan.
Strongly supported by progressives, the public option is a government-funded insurance program that is serving as the biggest dividing line in the debate so far, with progressives supporting it and conservatives strongly opposed to it. ...
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US President Barack Obama speaks to members of the American Nursing Association (ANA) on health care reform at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC, September 10, 2009. TOPSHOTS/AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 10: A journalist video tapes the plaque outside the Capitol Hill office of Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) September 10, 2009 in Washington, DC. The supporters said they were there to give their thanks to Wilson, who has drawn sharp criticism for heckling President Barack Obama during a health care reform speech before Congress last night. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 10: Residents from Virginia, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania line up to enter the Capitol Hill office of Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) September 10, 2009 in Washington, DC. The supporters said they were there to give their thanks to Wilson, who has drawn sharp criticism for heckling President Barack Obama during a health care reform speech before Congress last night. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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U.S. President Barack Obama meets with his Cabinet, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, in the White House as he continues his message of health care reform in Washington, DC, on Thursday, September 10, 2009. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)
MCT
U.S. President Barack Obama meets with his Cabinet, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, in the White House as he continues his message of health care reform in Washington, DC, on Thursday, September 10, 2009. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)
MCT
U.S. President Barack Obama meets with his Cabinet in the White House as he continues his message of health care reform in Washington, DC, on Thursday, September 10, 2009. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)
MCT
U.S. President Barack Obama meets with his Cabinet in the White House as he continues his message of health care reform in Washington, DC, on Thursday, September 10, 2009. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)
MCT
U.S. President Barack Obama meets with his Cabinet in the White House as he continues his message of health care reform in Washington, DC, on Thursday, September 10, 2009. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)
MCT
U.S. President Barack Obama is backed by nurses as he delivers remarks on health care reform in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House in Washington, DC, on Thursday, September 10, 2009. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)
MCT
U.S. President Barack Obama meets with his Cabinet, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, in the White House as he continues his message of health care reform in Washington, DC, on Thursday, September 10, 2009. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)
MCT
The Obama administration and some Congressional Democrats have said they might abandon the public option to win over Republican support for the reform package.
"As the members of Congress who represent millions of disproportionately under- and uninsured Americans whose health and wellness have suffered because of the numerous gaps in our nation's health care system, reform is a top priority," said CBC Chair Barbara Lee (D-Calif.). "We will continue to work with President Obama and our leadership to fight to reform America's broken health care system."
The health care debate will likely take center stage at the upcoming CBC Foundation annual Legislative Conference, a four-day event held Sept. 23-26 in Washington, D.C.
According to the foundation's Web site, thousands of elected officials, business and industry leaders, celebrities and media members will attend the conference and its policy forums, general sessions, exhibit showcase and job fair.
The conference brings together diverse organizations and individuals to discuss issues and concerns crucial to the African American population.
Comments: (8)
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By: Tired of Poor ME attitude on 9/11/2009 3:26PM
That is a headline to stop the presses. There is nothing Obama could do to get the Black Caucus to say a single negative thing against Obama because they are racist. Just the name of the Caucus is racist. Why base ANYTHING on race? What does Race have to do with what is good for the Country?
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By: LEW on 9/11/2009 3:02PM
The Black Community not just the Black Caucus must get involved. You must raise your voices above the racist voices at town hall meetings. I am white I am outraged at the treatment of our United States President. I have attended several events to support his plan and haven't noticed but maybe a handful from the Black community. This is not right. Just because Barack got elected doesn't mean he doesn't need our support. He needs all of us who voted for him to step up and be heard. Don't let the racist in the South be the only voice being heard. Where are the Reverends Sharpton and Jackson. The dream is under attack and few are defending it. I voted for the Flag of the United States not for the confederacy. We kicked their butts once already, maybe they need a refresher. As I said, I am a white guy on a black forum pleading for help for Our President. Don't let racist and insurance companies win.
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By: Shaquila on 9/11/2009 3:43PM
Well Lew, I am a black woman and I am against the Obamacare. Also, the town hall meetings were not racist. Black people and apparently some white people have to understand that disagreeing with a black person, president or not is not racist. This program is not good for America, not good for the elderly, the very young - basically not good for anyone except illegals. This plan is going to cost a fortune and we will be the ones to pay. READ THE BILL
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By: Trudy on 9/11/2009 3:17PM
I would hate to see the Public Option Plan abandoned just to get the Repubs vote. It would fiercely lessen what and how President Obamas Plan to help EVEYONE even those who are opposed. I will be praying for my president that all what he has proposed will go forward and be passed with even more options.
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By: Ldy366 on 9/12/2009 2:41AM
Hello...
I beg to differ with Shaquila...some white people are definitely using the healthcare issue to cover their racist views. There were several state that had the nerve to not let their children listen to the President's speeech. It was motivational s well as incouraging, a very important message that all races of children would benefit from.
Lew, you are right, the black community, caucus and clergy should be raising their voices too.
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By: LEW on 9/12/2009 10:11PM
Thank you for the kind words. I found his speech to the students to be not only extremely inspiring, but it immediately had me thinking of the President Kennedy speech "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" I was on that same level for me. I can not be against something that will benefit Americans. I have read the bill. I have checked the facts on www.factcheck.org and I believe in Barack Obama. I hope you will too. God Bless
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By: Arnold on 9/29/2009 6:33PM
Americans, who were the biggest shareholders in your banks? What happened to them?
Who are the biggest shareholders in your health care Insurance companies? Do you know?
Obama does! He is trying to protect you. Listen to him. He is right. An effective alternative to the present system is imperative - a system owned and controlled by the people i.e the Government. Remember It takes a long spoon to sup with Obama.
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By: bstreetdowney159 on 12/15/2009 1:16AM
WE, the people are in a unique postion in this country,right now. WE, the people have the WHITE HOUSE, Congress and Senate. Why are WE, the PEOPLE not capable of capable of coming together, supporting OUR President,Congress and Senate? The Republicans, wrong as two left shoes stick together and fight to bring down the President and the efforts of the Congress and Senate, that is working to get this country back on track. I would like to see people of color stand up for the President and speak out when he is disrespected. It's time for WE, the people to get "fired up, ready to go."
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