Daschle's out, SCHIP's in 

So, there’s good news and bad news.

The good news is January’s over. I mean, a quarter of a million lost jobs later, it couldn’t end soon enough, right? I haven’t heard so much anger since Christian Bale’s last conference call.

Seriously though, it looks like we dodged a bullet from the tax dodger himself. Tom Daschle’s withdrawal not only marks the new president’s first real misstep, but should prevent what almost certainly would have been some heavy-handed health care reform. We can all let loose with that collective sigh of relief now. By the way, have these cats never heard of TurboTax?

(I hear one-time Kansas Insurance Commissioner Kathleen Sebelius is now in the running for Dachle’s post. While she might not be an ideal pick, either, at least she can boast real world insurance experience and perspective. I’m just sayin’ … )

Oh, and that bad news? President Obama’s expected to sign off on the SCHIP expansion sometime today.

And remember, I’m just the messenger here. …
 

• • 11/11/2009 10:07:11 AM
  • anonymous
  • Daschle's out, SCHIP's in
  • Daschle's out, SCHIP's in The good news is January's over.
• • 11/11/2009 10:08:18 AM
  • anonymous
  • Re: Daschle's out, SCHIP's in
  • Love your sense of humor
• • 11/11/2009 10:09:30 AM
  • anonymous
  • Daschle's out, SCHIP's in
  • What about the Cobra changes coming in the stimulus package. Employers are going to be asked to pay 65% of the healthcare cost for terminated employees and wait for the state or feds to refund them their money. So Joe gets fired elects Cobra and now the cash strapped employer has to keep Joe around and lend him money until his Cobra runs out. Which is also about to change and last much longer. This should work like a charm... i'm all for helping people who need help but there has to be a better way
• • 11/11/2009 10:10:46 AM
  • anonymous
  • Daschle's out, SCHIP's in
  • This news about Dashle is the best news I have heard all year. Thanks. Roger
• • 11/11/2009 10:11:56 AM
  • anonymous
  • Daschle's out, SCHIP's in
  • I think SCHIP expansion is GOOD NEWS. What's your beef about it?
• • 11/11/2009 10:13:11 AM
  • anonymous
  • Daschle's out, SCHIP's in
  • Tom Daschle would not have been ideal pick, democrats are probably relieved this one didn't make it in. If I hear one more word about single payor healthcare I'll scream. Does anyone really think that Americans will go for that? Yes, something needs to be done with the uninsured but the first time a guy who makes $100,000 grand a year has to wait a couple of months to see a doctor or get surgery let's see how long single payor lasts. I don't think anyone is taking into account American culture, we believe that you deserve the best money can buy, your money. Healthcare is not a one size fits all housecoat.
• • 11/11/2009 10:14:36 AM
  • anonymous
  • Daschle's out, SCHIP's in
  • HI Denis, I agree with you completely-Daschle was significantly to the left of Obama himself, at least relative to the campaign descriptions of his "reform" plan. And, Daschle had the senate insider knowledge/relationships to deliver a bill, too...yikes. I was delighted to hear of his fall from grace... However, isn't Sebelius the governor of Kansas, or a senator or some elected official representing Kansas? Is there anything out there on her positions or ideas about this issue? Kansas is a pretty conservative state-I can't see her getting much local support at all for nationalizing health care, a la tax dodger Daschle for example...She would be hurting her future political goals by moving too far to the left on this, wouldn't she? wishful thinking from a guy who would like to fade comfortably into retirement as a health insurance broker in ten years..... thanks, the magazine is great, by the way... take care, Doug DeAngelis
• • 11/11/2009 10:15:35 AM
  • anonymous
  • Daschle's out, SCHIP's in
  • The best thing about Daschle's demise is that it embarrasses the Obama administration and (possibly) causes some Americans to question (its) integrity and judgement, (hopefully) leading to its early demise. In the meanwhile, Daschle's nomination clearly shows Barama's commitment to nationalizing the entire Health Insurance industry which means that his replacement HHS Secretary will be charged with the same mission and may be an even greater zealot. Be afraid, be very afraid! If you need any more evidence, check out the democrat proposed inclusion of Billions in their Porkulus Plan to subsidize COBRA premiums, Such legislation would keep potential Individual Health plan applicants off the market and increase their dependance on the Federal Government and deplete the pool of available prospects for our sales.