Lou Dobbs Tours Single-Payer Systems Abroad and Realizes, Holy Crap They're Good

[one...two...tree 2,762]

By Leslie Savan, The Nation

Has CNN's government-out-of-my-face bloviator actually had a change of heart when it comes to Obama's health plan?

Lou Dobbs is a strange man. One day he's railing against "Obamacare," stoking the birther and deather paranoia that an illegitimate president's health care plan will mandate euthanasia. Next day he's practically singing the praises of single-payer healthcare systems 'round the world.

It's kind of French of him, but last week, CNN's government-out-of-my-face bloviator began a monthlong, nation-a-night series to "learn from other countries' health care plans." He's already toured the single-payer systems of Denmark, Canada, and England, and the heavily regulated, public/private plans of Germany, France, Holland, and Switzerland. And, as if he were channeling Michael Moore or something, he's been rattling off stats showing that most of these universally covered foreigners are spending less on healthcare but living longer than we do.

Oh, sure, he'll occasionally exaggerate any weakness he can find--Lou's particularly eager to tsk-tsk over England's long lines. But overall, the series (reported mostly by CNN's Kitty Pilgrim), has been straightforward, like this look at Denmark, which could almost inspire a townhall mob to chant "Mandate, baby, mandate!"

And tonight it's off to Japan!

But, really, what gives, Mr. Independent? Have you gone soft on softcore socialism? Do you realize that you're actually making the "government takeover of healthcare" look pretty darn good? Or is this some kind of forced penance for spraying CNN with birther spittle, causing the network a "publicity nightmare," and, worse, sinking your own ratings?

On his Wednesday radio show, Dobbs as much as announced that CNN president Jon Klein (who's been publicly defending Dobbs against calls for his firing) made him do it: "We're pushing opinion aside. We're focusing on a nonpartisan objective reality that it is our job to cover," Dobbs declared, admitting, "I resisted this idea initially."

Edited August 16, 2009 by Col. 'Bat' Guano

[alienlovechild 75]

Since Obama says he doesn't want single-payer, he's wrong, too?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Since Obama says he doesn't want single-payer, he's wrong, too?

Now, when did Obama say that? He just does not want to go down in flames like Hillary did on healthcare. Perhaps Obama is learning the lesson too late, that one size does not fill all, when you are talking about Illinois politics.

[Joseph & Ana 0]

Obama wanted single payer before he didn't want single-payer

[dalegg 143]

Since Obama says he doesn't want single-payer, he's wrong, too?

Now, when did Obama say that? He just does not want to go down in flames like Hillary did on healthcare. Perhaps Obama is learning the lesson too late, that one size does not fill all, when you are talking about Illinois politics.

Yeah, there is no way I buy that. He was just hoping to ease the public into it, but even that isn't working. Shame too. I think the concept is sound in theory. I never bought that the American people would accept it, but it could certainly work. I like it much better than what I've heard about the House and Senate bills that's for sure.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Lou Dobbs is a whacko one minute and the minute the whacko says something in favor of what you believe in, hes a fvckin hero?

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I watch Lou's show every night and I have yet to hear him praise single payer health care. He has wondered why no Obama sychophant official has examined single payer systems overseas and put together a plausible scenario of how it could or would work here, in comparison.

It sounds to me as if the author is grasping at straws, and because you don't watch the Lou Dobbs Show, Steven, instead, preferring to confine yourself to like-minded sources, you are once again showing your ignorance.

I have the last two weeks of Lou on DVR. I'll review and see if he has said any such thing, as yor source claims he has.

[luckytxn 2,264]

I like how in the last paragraph he admits that his boss has made him do it. Pressure from being fired is a hard thing to take.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Since Obama says he doesn't want single-payer, he's wrong, too?

Yes, he is. Single payer is the most efficient way to do it.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I like how in the last paragraph he admits that his boss has made him do it. Pressure from being fired is a hard thing to take.

As if bosses aren't there to make you do things. Lou doesn't have to worry about being fired. He's too conservative for CNN, but just right for Fox. If they bring him over like they did Beck, I'd delete CNN from my favorites list

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Since Obama says he doesn't want single-payer, he's wrong, too?

Yes, he is. Single payer is the most efficient way to do it.

In this government, riddled with bloat, fraud and ineptitude, there is no efficiency involved with single-payer health care. Thank God Almighty it's dying on the vine.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Since Obama says he doesn't want single-payer, he's wrong, too?

Yes, he is. Single payer is the most efficient way to do it.

In this government, riddled with bloat, fraud and ineptitude, there is no efficiency involved with single-payer health care. Thank God Almighty it's dying on the vine.

So, the mighty US has the worst government in the developed world? Is that the essence of your statement?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Since Obama says he doesn't want single-payer, he's wrong, too?

Yes, he is. Single payer is the most efficient way to do it.

In this government, riddled with bloat, fraud and ineptitude, there is no efficiency involved with single-payer health care. Thank God Almighty it's dying on the vine.

So, the mighty US has the worst government in the developed world? Is that the essence of your statement?

Doh!

[Tahoma 2,292]

Since Obama says he doesn't want single-payer, he's wrong, too?

Yes, he is. Single payer is the most efficient way to do it.

In this government, riddled with bloat, fraud and ineptitude, there is no efficiency involved with single-payer health care. Thank God Almighty it's dying on the vine.

So, the mighty US has the worst government in the developed world? Is that the essence of your statement?

Doh!

D'oohhhhhhh!!!

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Since Obama says he doesn't want single-payer, he's wrong, too?

Yes, he is. Single payer is the most efficient way to do it.

In this government, riddled with bloat, fraud and ineptitude, there is no efficiency involved with single-payer health care. Thank God Almighty it's dying on the vine.

So, the mighty US has the worst government in the developed world? Is that the essence of your statement?

Just to be obnoxious, it does depend how you define the developed world.

And, there is the catch-22: If we are the worst, as many one-worlders say, then we really should adopt the better models, and become just like Europe, and give up our childish American attitudes, as many have said, right here on VJ. So, than means you want exactly want the loonies fear.

Or, We should take pride in having the best government in the world, and there is no reason to change what is already working, which is the argument from the loonies on the right.

Nope. You can't win, the loonies have you bracketted. Fire for effect!

Edited August 16, 2009 by Mister_Bill