CBS: GOP 'Vilified' ObamaCare; 'What's the Point' of Repeal Vote?
On Wednesday's CBS Evening News, anchor Katie Couric was dismissive of a vote by House Republicans to repeal ObamaCare as she asked congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes: "There is no chance this repeal will succeed, it's a largely symbolic measure. So what's the point?" Cordes described it as "the first step in their long-term effort to wipe this health care law off the books."
Cordes proclaimed that "The party line vote capped a vigorous debate....In which Republicans vilified the health care law, and Democrats exalted it." However, only seconds earlier in the report, an image appeared on screen of the House of Representatives vote tally, showing that three Democratic members of Congress joined Republicans in voting for repeal. No sound bites of those three Democrats were featured.
In a brief moment of balance, Cordes noted a particularly vicious attack by Democrat Steve Cohen of Tennessee during the floor debate: "A tentative agreement to tone down the rhetoric was shattered when one Democrat likened Republican claims about the law to Nazi propaganda." What Cordes left out was the fact that Cohen also used the phrase "blood libel" in his rant, something which CBS attacked Sarah Palin for just days earlier. On the January 13 Evening News, correspondent Chip Reid claimed that Palin "ignited a new controversy by using the term" in her Facebook video response to the Tucson shooting.
As NewsBusters' Scott Whitlock reported earlier, Wednesday's NBC Nightly News skipped Cohen's outrageous comments completely.
Cordes quickly went back to focusing on the tone of Republicans: "The most vocal critics of the law were the dozens of new Republican members who made repeal a top campaign promise." She added that "Democrats called the repeal vote pure politics."
Concluding the segment, Cordes asserted the futility of the repeal effort: "House Republicans say that the law is just too flawed, that tweeks aren't enough, and that they want to draft legislation to replace it. But as long as Democrats control the Senate, neither the repeal nor the replacement have any chance of becoming law."
Here is a full transcript of the segment:
6:35PM ET
KATIE COURIC: Now to a different issue involving big money. Late today, the new Republican-controlled House voted to repeal health care reform. Congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes is on Capitol Hill tonight. Nancy, there is no chance this repeal will succeed, it's a largely symbolic measure. So what's the point?
NANCY CORDES: Well, Katie, Republicans will contend that this was absolutely not for show, that it was just the first step in their long-term effort to wipe this health care law off the books.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN [REPUBLICAN MEMBER OF CONGRESS]: On this vote, the yeas are 245, the nos 189. The bill is passed.
CORDES: The party line vote capped a vigorous debate.
MICHELE BACHMANN [REP. R-MN]: ObamaCare, as we know, is the crown jewel of socialism.
CORDES: In which Republicans vilified the health care law, and Democrats exalted it.
MIKE PENCE [REP. R-IN]: When you order every American to buy health insurance, whether they want it or need it or not, that's a government takeover of health care.
ANTHONY WEINER [REP. D-NY]: Really? Who's taking over what health care plan? Who? We're offering people tax incentives – small businesses tax incentives to go buy private insurance plans.
CORDES: A tentative agreement to tone down the rhetoric was shattered when one Democrat likened Republican claims about the law to Nazi propaganda.
STEVE COHEN [REP. D-TN]: You say it enough, you repeat the lie, you repeat the lie, you repeat the lie, and eventually people believe it. The Germans said enough about the Jews, and the people believed it, and you had the Holocaust.
CORDES: The most vocal critics of the law were the dozens of new Republican members who made repeal a top campaign promise.
TODD ROKITA [REP. R-IN]: The people of Indiana sent me to Washington D.C. with very specific instructions – get the government out of our lives.
CORDES: Democrats called the repeal vote pure politics.
ELIOT ENGEL [REP. D-NY]: The American people want us to work together. This is not the way to do it. If there's a problem with the bill, we should tweak it.
CORDES: House Republicans say that the law is just too flawed, that tweeks aren't enough, and that they want to draft legislation to replace it. But as long as Democrats control the Senate, neither the repeal nor the replacement have any chance of becoming law. Katie.
COURIC: Nancy Cordes on Capitol Hill tonight. Nancy, thank you.
— Kyle Drennen is a news analyst at the Media Research Center. You can follow him on Twitter here.
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Comments
Hmmm, let's see
Submitted by IgnatzJFahrquar on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 1:20pm.
The Repubs are maintaining what they spoke about in their campaigns, but more important, perhaps the "symbolic" HB2 is there to force the Dims hand in the Senate????
With over 20 Senetorial seats up for relection in less than 2 years a vote in the Senate will put a "place holder" next to the Senator's name marking whether or not he wanted to go against what a majority of Americans want ... repeal and replace HCR with a better version.
No wonder Dingy Harry doesn't want this to be voted on.
Hey, guys--you know we depend on these news readers
Submitted by StarAZ on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 2:02pm.
Lighten up--we depend on these teleprompter queens to 'splain it all to us.. what would we DO without them? Katie says what is the point? Gosh...time to quit then.
Another open letter from my
Submitted by Beukeboom on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 1:14pm.
Another open letter from my friend:
Dear Katie Couric,
It's called "keeping a promise." It's something that goes with honor and integrity. Two concepts you know nothing about.
Sincerely,
Captain Obvious
Is it just me?
Submitted by DemsRFascists on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 1:25pm.
...or should Katie Couric, Nancy Pelosi and everyone on the Left wear swastika armbands, especially while they are at work?
You know, just in an effort to be more open about their allegiences...
It's just you.
Submitted by HockeyKid on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 1:35pm.
Now go troll elsewhere.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
[:-)
Submitted by DemsRFascists on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 7:40pm.
Nazis thought Jews were trolls, too, moron...er, I mean, tough guy...
Carry that water Katie.
Submitted by NeoKong on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 1:33pm.
Obama is depending on you.
Her water broke.
Submitted by Beukeboom on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 2:26pm.
Her water broke.
errant reply
Submitted by HockeyKid on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 1:34pm.
deleted
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
she is a typical democrat who
Submitted by jkwtrading on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 2:03pm.
she is a typical democrat who lies down when the situation dictates.. it is quite obvious Couric, we are not just going to lie down and let this complete incorrigable president to do as he pleases.
Couric if we did not legislate the mandate given to us, it leaves us only with one alternative which is a physical removal or violence of the disgressions.
.would you like that?
She and he cohorts have absolutely no backbone..
The point?
Submitted by octavioj on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 2:03pm.
Oh, the point. What is the point? Try this for size: maybe, just maybe, because the voters told them to do it? I know it is counter to what the elites think but sometimes we the plebe would like to have our voices heard and actions taken based on those voices.
The point is, Katie, that...
Submitted by KyWriter on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 2:10pm.
...conservatives keep promises. Plus the fact that after the 26 state lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of Obamacare are settled, the law will be effectively repealed anyway. All the House Republicans and three Democrats will be able to say "I told you so" at the next election. What will the rest of Congress say? Better still, what will you say, other than more mindless, leftist drivel? Of course, that's merely what you usually say.
KyWriter
Submitted by Model850 on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 3:06pm.
What will Katie and the rest of the MSM say? Wouldn't surprise me if they said this:
"Just like in 2000 the Supreme Court once again has stolen a Democratic victory by ruling Obama's signature health care reform law unconstitutional. Once more an activist court has done severe damage to the American people and deprived millions of decent health care and the opportunity for a full, healthy life. Democrats in Congress are predicting millions of American lives will be lost as a result of this Republican victory in the court."
Historical TV
Submitted by almostacowboy on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 2:25pm.
March 5, 1836
Katie Couric: Tomorrow morning, approximately 200 conservative, agitating Texians and Tejanos are going to engage General Antonio López de Santa Anna and his army of 3000 freedom fighters just outside San Antonio in the Texas territory. We have the leader of this rebelious group of white invaders, William B. Travis, with us by satellite. Good evening Mr. Travis.
TRAVIS: Good evening, Miss Couric.
Couric: That's MIZZZZZZ Couric.
Travis: Sorry, ma'am.
Couric: Would you puh-leeze call me MIZZZZZZ. It's a title I've worked so hard for.
Travis: Yes, ma'am. I mean, MIZZZZZZ Couric.
Couric: You and your group of rag-tag, ill-equipped rebels only number about 200 while General Santa Ana has nearly 3000 upstanding, well-dressed, and well-armed freedom fighters who all have those great smiles with their dark, muscular, Latin bodies. The General has offeredsafe passage and free burritos for you and your men if you just throw down your illegal .50 caliber assault weapons and surrender.
Travis: No, ma'am. I mean, MIZZZZZ Couric. We cain't do that.
Couric: Well, why on Earth not? They outnumber you 15 to one. Besides, think of those yummy burritos. And I'll bet you guys would look pretty good in those Mexican uniforms. Besides, heaven knows you could use a good dental plan. Wouldn't you like to have at least one shiny gold tooth? Besides, there's no way you are going to win against them. You know you're gonna lose anyway. It's largely a symbolic gesture, so what's the point? Mr. Travis?...........Mr. Travis? I apologize. It seems we have lost the satellite feed.
This keeps health care repeal
Submitted by eaglewingz08 on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 2:33pm.
This keeps health care repeal alive through the 2012 Presidential and Congressional elections, something the democraps want to avoid at all costs. THAT'S THE MAIN POINT. IT ALSO FULFILLS a pledge by the Republicans to do everything to repeal ABOMINABLE CARE ACT of 2011. And why is it we never hear 'symbolic' or 'wasteful' or "what's the point" when democraps go out on their kamikazi (is that to violent an image for the new pc civility) missions to enact liberal progams that have scant support in Congress or with the American public? No, then the media touts democrap 'idealism'. Well republicans and conservatives have idealism as well which they seek to put into practice, although the libdemediacomplex will never utter republican or conservative and idealistic in the same sentence, ever (unless a RINO is the subject of the article).
predict
Submitted by Dr. Ron on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 2:35pm.
If Reid allows a Senate vote...and let us see if MSM covers his attempts to not bring Obamacare repeal to a vote, my prediction is the Dems whose seats are in play in 2012 will
a. Vote present or,
b. Not be there for the vote or,
c. vote to repeal..the only question is which category these Dem. Senatore votes will fall into. By the way, Katie "queen",26 + States want to sue to legally repeal some/all of Obamacare...does that even register? 26+ out of 50...seems like a majority to me.
But, to you and your fellow lap dogs: keep having vapid, hate speech mongers like Cohen and Weiner (aptly named) spewing their venom on the air. After all, Obama called for civility in discourse. We know he only meant conservatives, though.
That's not a majority, Dr. Ron
Submitted by ckc1227 on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 5:43pm.
Remember, we have 58 states, not 50.
I forgot
Submitted by Dr. Ron on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 5:21am.
That his Obama-ness decreed that 58 (57?) state "fact" and media missed it...i.e. buried it.
Fair debate
Submitted by Tergent on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 3:12pm.
The media referee has to allow for a fair debate. There is a post about this on www.freemarketsfreepeople.net“Why Don’t They Ask…?”
The point of the repeal vote
Submitted by Van Halen on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 3:49pm.
The point of the repeal vote is:
1) Over 50% of people polled want Obamacare repealed - multiple polls.
2) Over half the states are now suing the Federal Government re: Obamacare.
3) The majority of the House of Representatives wants Obamacare repealed.
Katie Couric
Submitted by Hologram5 on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 4:34pm.
This stupid hag needs to shut up and get her pathetic behind in the kitchen to make some sandwiches.
It's simple, really.
Submitted by Thalpy on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 5:25pm.
We're not going to allow you to implement Obamacare. Unless it's funded, it won't work.
Bi-partisanship
Submitted by Nonanon on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 8:35pm.
Why isn't she and all the other liberals trumpeting the fact that members of both parties voted for repealing this thing? I thought that was the highest prize that could be achieved. What? That only applies to liberal legislation. Why didn't they tell me this? So celebrations aren't in order? Bummer...
Relevance, Cupcake.
Submitted by drsamherman on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 10:39pm.
The right was sending a message. So close to the meaningless symbolism you trumpet for the left every day that you cannot appreciate the relevance of someone finally saying NO.
CBS and Katie could not be more detached from reality if they were living in an alternate dimension.
Provides opportunity to show conservative values
Submitted by Miket53 on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 11:43pm.
Regardless of what anyone thinks of the repeal vote it provides republicans an opportunity to show what they value and that they do represent their voters. Americans are watching to see if it's "business as usual" or is this new congress different. People value their rights as citizens and value their vote. If the republicans follow through on promises, especially regarding less government, they will grow support for the next election. They will be seen as working for the people. So symbolic or not....these votes are critical.
Miket53 http://mtaricani.blogspot.com/
bad news -- good news, repeat
Submitted by sbourg on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 11:56pm.
The bad news is the MSM exemplified by Couric, distorts and lies on behalf of Leftist Dems.
Good news is fewer and fewer people are paying attention to those idiots.
Bad news is fewer and fewer people are paying attention to anything, translating to idiots voting.
Good news is moderates are starting to see the obvious and rail against the Leftists.
Bad news is more and more dependents on govt are voting for Leftists for govt 'cheese'.
Good news is 'true' Americans see how govt fails.
Bad news is there are too many Americans who just want the 'cheese'.
Jeezus: Where will it all end?
GOP didn't vilify anyone you
Submitted by mostlymoderate on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 4:56am.
GOP didn't vilify anyone you stupid clown. If anybody did the vilifying it was Obama et. AL. when they passed it to begin with knowing full-well that is was an exercise in socialism. And yes, the House has the right to vote any damn way they feel the need to do. Ever heard of check-and-balances you idiot?
Now the Senate Democrats can vote their way and that will ONCE AGAIN remind voters why in 2012 we need to kick these people to the curb, including Obama.
thermacuts opinie
Submitted by 411sts on Sun, 01/23/2011 - 5:20pm.
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Submitted by Beukeboom on Mon, 01/24/2011 - 11:15am.
Spam bot!
And a Happy Tyzlicacka Labanhover to you, too
Submitted by SickofLibs on Mon, 01/24/2011 - 11:18am.
.
Wakka-ding-hoy!
Submitted by Beukeboom on Mon, 01/24/2011 - 11:56am.
Wakka-ding-hoy!