Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:33:31 -0800
Duration: 0

Rep. Betty McCollum's opening and closing remarks from her Town Hall Meeting on Public Health Care addressed cost, access, and quality as well as the right to privacy, held at the Highland Park Pavilion July 1.

Author: theuptake
Added: Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:52:53 -0800
Duration: 0

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, a Republican who is touring the country as he considers running for President said he would follow President Obama's lead and "call out" people who spread lies or try to distort the facts in the health care debate. A few minutes later, Governor Pawlenty repeated a right-wing talking point about long waits for health care in Britain as reason for not going to a single-payer system because it would ration health care. Is that a lie? No...

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:33:19 -0800
Duration: 0

WASHINGTON, DC [9/9/09] - Statement from U.S. Sen. Franken (D-Minn.): Ive talked to thousands of Minnesotans as I traveled the state during August, and no matter which end of the political spectrum theyre on, people want real reform. I think we heard the same message from the President tonight that I have heard from my constituents: now is the time to fix our broken health insurance system to lower costs, improve quality, and ensure choice of health plans. We cant afford the cost of inaction. The President's proposals will bring secure coverage and better health to the millions of Americans who are being crushed by skyrocketing costs. So my colleagues and I are reenergized to get this done and I believe well get legislation passed this fall.

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:52:35 -0800
Duration: 0

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius comments on the content of President Obama's speech to Congress about heath care tonight. TRANSCRIPT: On Wednesday night, President Obama will make the case for what is at stake for the American people in this debate, and hell provide a clear direction for what a true reform plan is: A plan that will bring stability and security to Americans who have insurance, and help those who don't get coverage they can afford. Hell discuss what health insurance reform means and what it doesnt mean for all Americans. Now weve come a long way and were closer than ever to passing real health insurance reform. One thing is clear: doing nothing is not an option. Health care costs are rising three times faster than wagesmillions of Americans are being denied coverage because they get sickand insecurity is growing. Were entering a new phase in this important debate. Now is the time to begin pulling together the bills that have ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:52:35 -0800
Duration: 0

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, everybody. All right, everybody go ahead and have a seat. How is everybody doing today? (Applause.) How about Tim Spicer? (Applause.) I am here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we've got students tuning in from all across America, from kindergarten through 12th grade. And I am just so glad that all could join us today. And I want to thank Wakefield for being such an outstanding host. Give yourselves a big round of applause. (Applause.) I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it's your first day in a new school, so it's understandable if you're a little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now -- (applause) -- with just one more year to go. And no matter what grade you're in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer and you ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:33:28 -0800
Duration: 0

Former State Auditor Pat Anderson doesn't think much of Former Minority Leader Marty Seifert's leadership experience. Both are Republican candidates for Minnesota Governor and will be debating with seven other candidates at the State Fair on Monday. Anderson says Seifert's job as Minority leader was to "just uphold vetos", and work with a small number of legislators. She says that's different that being responsible for results and getting things done. her experience of running a state agency makes her more qualified to be Governor. Anderson spoke with The UpTake at the Minnesota Republican booth at the State Fair on Sunday. You can watch the Republican Governor candidates debate live on Monday starting at 1pm CT at www.theuptake.org

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:50:37 -0800
Duration: 0

President Obama makes remarks before hosting a dinner celebrating Ramadan and highlighting the contributions of American Muslims in the State Dining Room. The President acknowledges Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress.

Author: theuptake
Added: Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:50:21 -0800
Duration: 0

What's worse than government health care? Government fire departments! It's a socialist plot that is exposed on our Quick On The UpTake radio show.

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:33:29 -0800
Duration: 0

Governor Tim Pawlenty announces two new health reform measures he says places Minnesota at the forefront of the nation. The first is a website that gives consumers control, allowing them to search online for health care cost comparison and quality information. That website is www.mnhealthscores.org. Dr. Sanne Magnan, Minnesota Commissioner of Health, speaks on $47M in grants that are designed to help 39 communities promote healthy living. The grants will tackle three leading causes of preventable illness and death in the nation: tobacco use, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition.

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 05:52:34 -0800
Duration: 0

Jared Bernstein, Chief Economist for the Vice President and Executive Director of the Middle Class Task Force, debunks the myth that we cant afford health insurance reform. To the contrary, not only has the President demanded that reform not add to the deficit in the short term, but reform is the only way to get skyrocketing health care costs under control that will be devastating not for families , businesses, and for government deficits in the long term under the status quo.

Author: theuptake
Added: Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:53:44 -0800
Duration: 0

Each and every day in this country, Americans are grappling with health care premiums that are growing three times the rate of wages and insurance company policies that limit coverage and raise out-of-pocket costs. Thousands are losing their insurance coverage each day. Without real reform, the burdens on Americas families and businesses will continue to multiply. Weve had a vigorous debate about health insurance reform, and rightly so. This is an issue of vital concern to every American, and Im glad that so many are engaged. But it also should be an honest debate, not one dominated by willful misrepresentations and outright distortions, spread by the very folks who would benefit the most by keeping things exactly as they are. So today, I want to spend a few minutes debunking some of the more outrageous myths circulating on the internet, on cable TV, and repeated at some town halls across this country. Lets start with the false claim that illegal immigrants will get ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:53:44 -0800
Duration: 0

Congressman Keith Ellison (D - MN) fires up a crowd of volunteers about to door knock for health care reform. His speech was a variation of an article he wrote for the Huffington Post which you will find below: So, my friends, what were we thinking? Did we really think that extending health care coverage to all Americans would be easy? Did we really believe that those who reap gzillions of bucks from our health (read sick) care system were going to give it all up without a fight? Of course those who benefit from the status quo are attacking the Public Option. Of course they are falsely claiming that Medicare reimbursement for end-of-life discussions are death panels. Of course they are disrupting town hall forums some even carrying firearms. Its not an element of reform they oppose; its reform itself. The special interests and protectors of the status quo acted worse when America was on the brink of passing Civil Rights and Voting Rights legislation. They ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 06:33:15 -0800
Duration: 0

Transcript: On behalf of the American people including Muslim communities in all fifty states I want to extend best wishes to Muslims in America and around the world. Ramadan Kareem. Ramadan is the month in which Muslims believe the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, beginning with a simple word iqra. It is therefore a time when Muslims reflect upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with faith, and the responsibility that human beings have to one another, and to God. Like many people of different faiths who have known Ramadan through our communities and families, I know this to be a festive time a time when families gather, friends host iftars, and meals are shared. But I also know that Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection a time when Muslims fast during the day and perform tarawih prayers at night, reciting and listening to the entire Koran over the course of the month. These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:52:44 -0800
Duration: 0

President Obama tells members of Organizing For America the three steps to making a compelling case for health care reform.

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:52:44 -0800
Duration: 0

http://theuptake.org NASCAR Champ Jimmie Johnson visits the White House and takes President Obama under the hood of his Chevy #48. Can Johnson get into the car thru the window while wearing a suit? You'll just have to watch to find out.

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:52:44 -0800
Duration: 0

Without much warning, what appeared to be a tornado swept through downtown Minneapolis this afternoon. Here is a some of the damage as shot by Greg Skog

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:37:54 -0800
Duration: 0

Heavy rains this afternoon brought traffic to a crawl as construction areas along 35W flooded just south of downtown Minneapolis. Video shot by Greg Skog

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:52:48 -0800
Duration: 0

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, let me, on behalf of the American people and my administration, welcome President Mubarak for his first visit since I've taken office. I want to publicly thank him for the extraordinary hospitality that he showed us when I traveled to Egypt and delivered my speech at Cairo University. It was an extraordinary visit, not only because of the great welcome that I received from the President and the college students who were in attendance, but also having an opportunity to visit the pyramids was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. The United States and Egypt have worked together closely for many years, and for many of those years President Mubarak has been a leader and a counselor and a friend to the United States. We obviously have a lot of great challenges that have to be dealt with and we are continuing to work together to find those areas where we can find common ground and to work in concert to bring peace and security to the region. The ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:52:48 -0800
Duration: 0

Linda Douglass of the White House Office of Health Reform answers a question from outside the recent town hall in New Hampshire on why Congress voted to exempt themselves from reform. This is a myth: there is no exemption and there has not been any such vote. To the contrary, reform gives all Americans access to an insurance exchange much like the one Congress has enjoyed, and just like Congress, Americans will be free to make their own choices. Video from the White House

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:52:48 -0800
Duration: 0

Linda Douglass of the White House Office of Health Reform answers a question from outside the recent town hall in New Hampshire on why reform will empower a panel to decide end-of-life care for Americans. This is a myth that has unfortunately been spread far and wide by defenders of the status quo. There is no such panel in any of the bills being considered in Congress, period. To the contrary, the House bill gives Americans and their families more choice and access to counseling and information on these most difficult decisions if, and only if, they choose to pursue it.

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:52:48 -0800
Duration: 0

Linda Douglass of the White House Office of Health Reform answers a question from outside the recent town hall in New Hampshire on why a specific section of the House legislation (section 1177) puts off care for the disable pending "further study." This is a myth: for the disabled or their families, they can keep whatever care and coverage they currently have, but they will have additional options through Medicare for other voluntary programs. To the contrary, reform will make insurance more affordable, provide more options, and eliminate discrimination in purchasing health insurance so families won't be turned down if a parent or child has a pre-existing disability or other health condition. Video from the White House

Author: theuptake
Added: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:32:44 -0800
Duration: 0

Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson-Kelliher talks with The UpTake's Mike McIntee about her decision to run for Governor of Minnesota. She talks about the economy, health care and education. She adds that she will NOT resign her position of Speaker of the House.

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 03:52:38 -0800
Duration: 0

Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson-Kelliher talks with The UpTake's Mike McIntee about her decision to run for Governor of Minnesota. She talks about the economy, health care and education. She adds that she will NOT resign her position of Speaker of the House.

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 02:37:54 -0800
Duration: 0

Mike Strautmanis, Chief of Staff for Valerie Jarrett and father of a child with a disability, addresses the myth that health insurance reform will mean children with disabilities will not get the care they need. To, the contrary, reform will make insurance more affordable, provide more options, and eliminate discrimination in purchasing health insurance so families won't be turned down if a parent or child has a pre-existing disability or other health condition.

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:52:43 -0800
Duration: 0

There are quite a few viral emails floating around, making outlandish claims about health insurance reform and pretending to be careful analyses of the bills moving through Congress. Drafted to appear as if they are written by concerned citizens, more often the information comes from organizations with a strident agenda to protect the status quo. White House Health Reform Director Nancy-Ann DeParle takes on one of the most prevalent emails directly. Politifact debunks each claim in the email here: http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2009/jul/30/e-mail-analysis-health-bill-needs-check-/ Video from the White House

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:36:29 -0800
Duration: 0

By Grace Kelly The bank that communicates with you is your service bank, however the bank that makes decisions about your loan is another bank behind that called a trustee bank. The trustee bank probably has sold rights to your mortgage in a number of small pieces bundled with other mortgages. "The most basic way a mortgage loan can be transformed into a bond suitable for purchase by an investor would simply be to "split it". For example, a $300,000 30 year mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5% could be split into 300 1000 dollar bonds. These bonds would have a 30 year amortization, and an interest rate of 6.00% for example (with the remaining .50% going to the servicing company to send out the monthly bills and perform servicing work)." The trustee bank has contractual obligations to all of those securitized mortgage note holders. This is why it takes 30-40 days to for the banks to make mortgage decisions and requires help from home ownership counselors like Minnesota ....

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 04:32:53 -0800
Duration: 0

Robert Kocher of the National Economic Council debunks the myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform would simply eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies.

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:54:32 -0800
Duration: 0

Kavita Patel, who works with Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett and who worked for years before as a physician, debunks the myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies. Video from the White House.

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:54:32 -0800
Duration: 0

Matt Flavin, Director of Veterans and Wounded Warrior Policy, explains that nothing in health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget greatly expands coverage for veterans who have been denied access in the past. Video from the White House

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:54:32 -0800
Duration: 0

Christina Romer, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, debunks the myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average. Video from the White House

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:54:32 -0800
Duration: 0

Melody Barnes, the President's Director of the Domestic Policy Council, debunks the malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. Video from the White House

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 08 Aug 2009 19:52:38 -0800
Duration: 0

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. Well, I am pleased and deeply gratified that the Senate has voted to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor as our nations 111th Supreme Court justice. I want to thank the Senate Judiciary Committee, particularly its Chairman, Senator Leahy -- as well as its Ranking Member, Senator Sessions -- for giving Judge Sotomayor a thorough and civil hearing. And I thank them for doing so in a timely manner so that she can be fully prepared to take her seat when the Courts work begins this September. The members of our Supreme Court are granted life tenure and are charged with the vital and difficult task of applying principles set forth at our founding to the questions and controversies of our time. Over the past 10 weeks, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate have assessed Judge Sotomayors fitness for this work. They've scrutinized her record as a prosecutor, as a litigator, and as a judge. They've gauged her respect for the proper ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:52:42 -0800
Duration: 0

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody. I want to just make a brief comment about the fact that the two young journalists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, are safely back with their families. We are obviously extraordinarily relieved. I had an opportunity to speak with the families yesterday once we knew that they were on the plane. The reunion that we've all seen on television I think is a source of happiness not only for the families but for the entire country. I want to thank President Bill Clinton -- I had a chance to talk to him -- for the extraordinary humanitarian effort that resulted in the release of the two journalists. I want to thank Vice President Al Gore who worked tirelessly in order to achieve a positive outcome. I think that not only is this White House obviously extraordinarily happy, but all Americans should be grateful to both former President Clinton and Vice President Gore for their extraordinary work. And my hope is, is that the families that have been reunited .....

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:33:11 -0800
Duration: 0

An ad from the Democratic National Committee instructs people to call the Republican National Committee to complain about people disrupting health care town halls. In response, the RNC sets up it phone system to tell people to call a different number... that just happens to be the DNC.

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:33:11 -0800
Duration: 0

UpTake Senior Political Correspondent caught up with by Senator Al Franken (D-MN) in a one on one interview conducted in his office in Washington DC. Senator Franken reflects on Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation to the US Supreme Court, and criticizes conservative opposition to "activist judges." Filmed on July 17th, 2009.

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:49:42 -0800
Duration: 0

The White House is taking aim at the untruths that are being floated around the internet about health care reform. They've set up an email address for people to report those lies, half-truths and disinformation. In this video, Linda Douglass, the communications director for the White Houses Health Reform Office, addresses one example that makes it look like the President intends to "eliminate" private coverage, when the reality couldnt be further from the truth. She also writes: "There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we cant keep track of all of them here at the White House, were asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov."

Author: theuptake
Added: Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:32:57 -0800
Duration: 0

Two US citizens recently deported from Israel said they were treated as criminals when they tried to report on what is happening in the Palestinian Territories. Sarah Martin, a member of Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) and Katrina Plots of the Anti-War Committee refused voluntary deportation and were forcibly deported on Sunday evening. Here they speak with reporters after landing in Minneapolis. Video shot by Greg Skog

Author: theuptake
Added: Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:33:04 -0800
Duration: 0

Today, Id like to talk with you about a subject that I know is on everyones mind, and thats the state of our economy. Yesterday, we received a report on our Gross Domestic Product. Thats a measure of our overall economic performance. The report showed that in the first few months of this year, the recession we faced when I took office was even deeper than anyone thought at the time. It told us how close we were to the edge. But it also revealed that in the last few months, the economy has done measurably better than expected. And many economists suggest that part of this progress is directly attributable to the Recovery Act. This and the other difficult but important steps that we have taken over the last six months have helped put the brakes on this recession. We took unprecedented action to stem the spread of foreclosures by helping responsible homeowners stay in their homes and pay their mortgages. We helped revive the credit markets and open up loans for families ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 01 Aug 2009 09:33:07 -0800
Duration: 0

During a meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines on July 30, President Obama said he believes the US has survived the worst of the economic crisis.

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 01 Aug 2009 09:33:07 -0800
Duration: 0

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak told Democrats in Eagan that he is "very likely" to enter the race for Minnesota Governor. Rybak who is also running for reelection as Mayor this fall has often said he is concentrating on his reelection bid, but his actions the last two days indicate he is looking past this fall and to the 2010 Governor's race. Beyond telling Democrats that he is very likely to run, Rybak sent an email out today that was very critical of Governor Pawlenty. In it Rybak said "My job as Mayor of Minneapolis is keeping me pretty busy, as you might imagine. Even with the Bush recession and the Pawlenty budget crisis, were making Minneapolis a safe place to call home, with crime at its lowest level in decades; were creating jobs and opportunity in every community; were building great places to strengthen our quality of life, and were planning for our childrens future so the city will be even greater for the next generation. But its clear that I cant let ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:52:35 -0800
Duration: 0

On the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the President and Secretary of State laud the signing of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Proclamation. July 24, 2009.

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:52:51 -0800
Duration: 0

I wanted to address you guys directly because over the last day and a half obviously there's been all sorts of controversy around the incident that happened in Cambridge with Professor Gates and the police department there. I actually just had a conversation with Sergeant Jim Crowley, the officer involved. And I have to tell you that as I said yesterday, my impression of him was that he was a outstanding police officer and a good man, and that was confirmed in the phone conversation -- and I told him that. And because this has been ratcheting up -- and I obviously helped to contribute ratcheting it up -- I want to make clear that in my choice of words I think I unfortunately gave an impression that I was maligning the Cambridge Police Department or Sergeant Crowley specifically -- and I could have calibrated those words differently. And I told this to Sergeant Crowley. I continue to believe, based on what I have heard, that there was an overreaction in pulling Professor Gates ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:52:51 -0800
Duration: 0

I recently heard from a small business owner from New Jersey who wrote that he employs eight people and provides health insurance for all of them. But his policy goes up at least 20 percent each year, and today, it costs almost $1,400 per family per month his highest business expense besides his employees salaries. Hes already had to let two of them go, and he may be forced to eliminate health insurance altogether. He wrote, simply: "I am not looking for free health care, I would just like to get my premiums reduced enough to be able to afford it." Day after day, I hear from people just like him. Workers worried they may lose their coverage if they become too sick, or lose their job, or change jobs. Families who fear they may not be able to get insurance, or change insurance, if someone in their family has a pre-existing condition. And small business owners trying to make a living and do right by the people they employ. These are the mom and pop stores and ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:52:51 -0800
Duration: 0

MRS. OBAMA: Thank you. Thank you, everyone. (Applause.) Good afternoon and welcome to the White House! (Laughter.) Tonight's house is a little warm in here. (Laughter.) But it is a pleasure to be here with you today to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the National Design Awards and to honor some of the country's most compelling innovators. And I got to meet them all. They are terrific, and we are just thrilled to have you with us today. Congratulations to all of you -- our honorees and those of you just working hard getting the job done. How are you, sir? It's good to see you. (Laughter.) You are scientists and artists. Your work is both practical and poetic, educational and inspirational. You represent diverse fields of disciplines but you share the common thread of superior design. What I love about design is the artistic and scientific complexity that also becomes useful: a laptop, a bridge, an outfit -- (laughter) -- a garden, all drawn ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:52:43 -0800
Duration: 0

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good afternoon, everybody. I am very pleased to welcome Prime Minister al Maliki back to Washington. Weve just concluded a very productive discussion about a wide range of issues. We meet at an important moment. Substantial progress has been made since Prime Minister Malikis first visit to Washington in 2006, and since the Prime Minister and I had a chance to sit down together in Baghdad. Violence continues to be down, and Iraqis are taking responsibility for their future. This progress has been made possible by the resilience of the Iraqi people and security forces, and also because of the extraordinary service of American troops and civilians in Iraq. Now were in the midst of a full transition to Iraqi responsibility, and to a comprehensive partnership between the United States and Iraq based on mutual interests and mutual respect. The success of this transition is critically important to the security and prosperity of our people, and it is a top priority ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:50:38 -0800
Duration: 0

Rep. Betty McCollum (D) Minnesota says the solution to the health care crisis is reforming Medicare reimbursements. She says the current system penalizes states such as Minnesota that have reduced costs and improved care. McCollum says she supports a public option, but any public option needs to address the Medicare reimbursement problems. She says a public option would be a check and balance on insurance companies. Without such an option, McCollum doesn't trust insurance companies to follow through on promises to enroll people with pre-existing conditions.

Author: theuptake
Added: Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:52:40 -0800
Duration: 0

Millions around the world watched a blurry black and white TV image on July 20, 1969 as Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the moon. Now 40 years later, millions on the internet can watch a slightly less blurry black and white video image of that same event. NASA has released the enhanced restored video to mark the moon landing anniversary.

Author: theuptake
Added: Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:34:12 -0800
Duration: 0

Partial transcript: In these past weeks, we've also built consensus around specific reforms on which there hasn't been consensus before. Let me list some of those. And I want to particularly applaud the efforts of the committees in the House and the Senate who have worked long and hard to make this progress. We're now at a point where most everyone agrees that we need to invest in preventative and wellness programs that can save us money and help lead healthier lives. We have an agreement on the need to simplify the insurance forms and paperwork that patients have to fill out everytime they go to a hospital or see a doctor. We have an agreement on the need to reform our health insurance system so if you lose your job, change your job, or start a small business, you can still get affordable health insurance. We have an agreement on the need to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to Americans with pre-existing medical conditions. And we have agreement on the ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:34:12 -0800
Duration: 0

Transcript: Right now in Washington, our Senate and House of Representatives are both debating proposals for health insurance reform. Today, I want to speak with you about the stakes of this debate, for our people and for the future of our nation. This is an issue that affects the health and financial well-being of every single American and the stability of our entire economy. Its about every family unable to keep up with soaring out of pocket costs and premiums rising three times faster than wages. Every worker afraid of losing health insurance if they lose their job, or change jobs. Everyone whos worried that they may not be able to get insurance or change insurance if someone in their family has a pre-existing condition. Its about a woman in Colorado who told us that when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, her insurance company the one shed paid over $700 a month to refused to pay for her treatment. She had to use up her retirement funds to save her own ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:33:02 -0800
Duration: 0

Iran's crackdown on protests following a disputed election is drawing the ire of people in Minnesota. On Wednesday the "committee for democracy" held a rally on the capitol's steps. The UpTake's Matt Johnson was there to record what happened.

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:33:02 -0800
Duration: 0

Sen Lindsey Graham (R-SC)says to Supreme Court Nominee Sonia Sotomayor "America, unlike other countries, has a unique relationship with the second amendment". Anyone care to translate?

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:33:02 -0800
Duration: 0

It's an obvious question that's asked in any job interview, but it wasn't asked until day 4 of Sonia Sotomayor's Supreme Court nomination hearing. Senator Al Franken (D-MN) asks "Why do you want the job?"

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:33:02 -0800
Duration: 0

Despite the risk smoking poses, the Pentagon says it does not intend to ban the use of tobacco by troops in "conflict zones". This is Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:33:02 -0800
Duration: 0

Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) talks about how women have had to fight for equal rights and still make only 78 cents for every dollar earned by a man. She then asks Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor on how it feels to be a role model for women.

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:53:14 -0800
Duration: 0

The legendary Willie Mays joined President Obama for the flight out to St. Louis, where the President threw the first pitch at the MLB All-Star game. Mays talks about how he helped lay the groundwork for the Presidents election.

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:53:14 -0800
Duration: 0

Surrounded by nurses, President Obama says "we can't kick the can down the road anymore" when it comes to health care. The President said I'm confident it's going to get done because we've got a great team behind us. And we are going to be continually talking about this for the next two to three weeks until we've got a bill off the Senate and we've got a bill out of the House. Then we'll deserve a few weeks' rest before we come back and finally get a bill done so we can sign it right here in the Rose Garden.

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:53:17 -0800
Duration: 0

"You have lots of 'splaining to do"... it's reminiscent of what Ricky Ricardo would say to his wife Lucy on the old "I love Lucy" shows. So the phrase carries some ethnic baggage. Senator Tom Corburn (R-Oklahoma) used the phrase when responding to Judge Sonia Sotomayor's explanation about gun laws. She was talking about how different state's laws on guns vary.

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:53:17 -0800
Duration: 0

Supreme Court Nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor has beeb repeatedly quizzed about her "wise Latina" statement. Today she had the opportunity to explain the context of the statement. Questioning her is Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas)

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:53:17 -0800
Duration: 0

Supreme Court Nominee Sonia Sotomayor has bee repeatedly quizzed about her "wise Latina" statement. Today she had the opportunity to explain the context of the statement. Questioning her is Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas)

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:53:17 -0800
Duration: 0

Trying to pin the "liberal" label on Judge Sonia Sotomayor, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) asks if she agrees with an article that says she has "liberal instincts". Sotomayor replies that if "liberal instincts" means equal opportunity, then that is true. Cornyn says equal opportunity is a "bedrock doctrine that undergirds all of our law."

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:53:17 -0800
Duration: 0

Senator Al Franken's first questions for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor are about internet neutrality.

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:53:17 -0800
Duration: 0

Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-Baltimore) invites Judge Sonia Sotomayor to watch the Baltimore Orioles play any team but the New York Yankees at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Cardin says Sotomayor is a hero in Baltimore for ending the Major League Baseball strike, allowing hall of famer Cal Ripkin to set a record for consecutive games played.

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:50:20 -0800
Duration: 0

more at http://www.theuptake.org A protester disrupts the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court. Senator Grassley (R-Iowa) brings down the house when he cracks people have always said he has the ability to turn people on.

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:50:20 -0800
Duration: 0

More at http://www.theuptake.org At about 3 minutes into this video, Obama's prompter falls down and he says "Oh goodness, sorry about that guys" and keeps right on going. President Obama spoke on some of the challenges facing urban communities today. He said he is personally familiar with these challenges after spending much of his life in urban areas, saying he received his greatest education working in Chicagos South Side.

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:50:20 -0800
Duration: 0

Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor says she has a simple judicial philosophy: fidelity to the law. "The task of a judge is not to make law, it is to apply the law."

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:50:20 -0800
Duration: 0

By Noah Kunin, Senior Political Correspondent 7/14/09 WASHINGTON DC - As we move through the complex legalese of Judge Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearing, I thought it completely appropriate for a moment of levity. Here is a public service announcement from Judge Sotomayor and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) on nunchaku (otherwise known as nunchucks, numchucks, etc) assisted by some public domain images from Wikimedia Commons

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:50:20 -0800
Duration: 0

Full transcript at www.theuptake.org Partial transcript: For nearly two decades, Dr. Regina Benjamin has seen in a very personal way what is broken about our health care system. She's seen an increasing number of patients who've had health insurance their entire lives suddenly lose it because they lost their jobs or because it's simply become too expensive. She's been a relentless promoter of prevention and wellness programs, having treated too many costly and -- diseases and complications that didn't have to happen. And she's witnessed the shortage of primary care physicians in the rural and underserved areas where she works. But for all that she's seen and all the tremendous obstacles that she has overcome, Regina Benjamin also represents what's best about health care in America -- doctors and nurses who give and care and sacrifice for the sake of their patients; those Americans who would do anything to heal a fellow citizen.

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:50:20 -0800
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By Noah Kunin 7/13/09 WASHINGTON DC - Senator Al Franken makes his opening statement in the confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor to become a Justice in the United States Supreme Court. Franken expressed concern that the US Supreme Court had not expressed proper deference to Congressional laws and that individuals' rights had become imperiled by too many decisions in the favor of large interests.

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:50:20 -0800
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By Noah Kunin, Senior Political Correspondent 7/13/09 WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) laid it out plainly in his opening statement during the confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor for an appointment to the Supreme Court of the United States. "Unless you have a complete meltdown, you're going to get confirmed". Senator Graham continued his frank tone in explaining the political realities he saw in Judge Sotomayor's nomination.

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:32:54 -0800
Duration: 0

By Noah Kunin, Senior Political Correspondent 7/11/09 ST. PAUL, MN - Senator Al Franken convened a group of legal experts in order to prepare to question Judge Sonia Sotomayor for a possible appointment to the United State Supreme Court. Senator Franken previews a possible line of questioning around campaign finance reform. Senator Franken also mused asking Judge Sotomayor questions on judicial activism and net neutrality. Franken remarked that his quesiton might in part depend on what has been asked already since he will likely be last to question Sotomayor due to his seniority within the committee. Senator Franken also expressed his support for cameras in the US Supreme Court - analysts believe Judge Sotomayor would support cameras whereas Justice Souter did not.

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:32:54 -0800
Duration: 0

Senator Charles Grassley(R-Iowa) tells Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor that "empathy" is just another way of saying "legislating from the bench". Senator Russ Feingold (D - Wisconsin) tells Grassley that calling someone an "activist judge" is what you do when you don't agree with their decision.

Author: theuptake
Added: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:55:05 -0800
Duration: 0

This week, weve made important progress toward the goal of bringing about change abroad and change at home. During my visit to Russia, we began the process of resetting relations so that we can address key national priorities like the threat of nuclear weapons and extremism. At the G8 summit, leaders from nearly thirty nations met to discuss how we will collectively confront the urgent challenges of our time, from managing the global recession to fighting global warming to addressing global hunger and poverty. And in Ghana, I laid out my agenda for supporting democracy and development in Africa and around the world. But even as we make progress on these challenges abroad, my thoughts are on the state of our economy at home. And thats what I want to talk to you about today. We came into office facing the most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression. At the time, we were losing, on average 700,000 jobs a month. And many feared that our financial system was on ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:49:52 -0800
Duration: 0

American Recovery Tour 2009! We follow Kyle Potter on his trip around America as he finds out how people are holding up during the worst recession in generations.

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:49:52 -0800
Duration: 0

You may not have the dollars the big media organizations have, but you can still have a big impact on journalism. The UpTake lets you in on the secrets of starting a successful citizen journalism organization. This video is a part of the YouTube Reporters' Center. See more videos on how to report the news - and share your ideas - at http://www.youtube.com/reporterscenter

Author: theuptake
Added: Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:33:31 -0800
Duration: 0

Senator Al Franken's attorney for the 8 month recount and election contest was wearing his "lucky tie" at Tuesday's swearing in ceremony. The UpTake's Mike McIntee talks with attorney Marc Elias about the court case and finds out if Elias was dissapointed that he didn't get to make arguments before the US Supreme Court.

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:51:57 -0800
Duration: 0

By Noah Kunin, Senior Political Correspondent 7/7/09 Washington, DC - Shortly after Al Franken was sworn in as the junior Senator from Minnesota he attended a reception in his honor in the Hart Senate Offices Building a few blocks north of the United States Capitol. A full house of over four hundred supporters campaign workers and family friends (including two members of the Grateful Dead) related their backing of Franken over the years. Franken joked that it would take forever to thank everyone that helped him, not including those who "were just along for the ride". At other times Franken was filled with emotion but not overcome by it, forcing back tears at several points while referencing his family or the late Senator Paul Wellstone.

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:33:05 -0800
Duration: 0

more at http://www.theuptake.org Senator Amy Klobuchar knows exactly how many days Minnesota has been without a second Senator. That's because her office has been picking up all the extra work. She spoke on the Senate Floor today moments before Al Franken was sworn in as Minnesota's Junior US Senator

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:34:35 -0800
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Ending an 8 month odyssey of recounts and court challenges, Al Franken was sworn in as Minnesota's Junior US Senator filling a seat that has been vacant since former Senator Norm Coleman's term expired in January. Franken may be the "60th vote" that is sometime needed to stop a filibuster on the Senate floor. There are now 58 Democrats and two independents that caucus with the Democrats. More live coverage at www.theuptake.org

Author: theuptake
Added: Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:52:40 -0800
Duration: 0

THE PRESIDENT: Welcome to the White House. (Applause.) And happy Fourth of July. Michelle and I are honored and proud to have you here on the Fourth. And we're humbled to be joined up here by heroes -- men and women who went beyond the call of duty in battle, some selflessly risking their lives again and again so that others might live. True to form, they -- like all of you -- say they were just doing their job. That's what makes you the best of us, and that's why we simply want to say thank you to each and every one of you for your extraordinary service to our country. We're joined in that sentiment by Vice President Joe Biden, who, as many of you know, is marking Independence Day with troops in Iraq; and Jill Biden, who's spending it with military families in Germany. I should say that there's also one girl in particular who's just thrilled that all of you are here -- and that is Malia Obama, because this happens to be her birthday, as well. (Applause.) When she ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:52:40 -0800
Duration: 0

Senator-Elect Al Franken thanks The UpTake for its coverage of the recount and election trial. Franken talks about how his campaign staff insisted that he take a vacation the first week of the trial and how he spent his vacation watching The UpTake. Franken talks about health care, the late Senator Paul Wellstone and the logistics for his swearing in next week. Franken has two words of advice for any DFL candidate who may possibly end up running against Norm Coleman for Governor: "call me."

Author: theuptake
Added: Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:52:40 -0800
Duration: 0

more at http://www.theuptake.org Congressman Keith Ellison holds a public hearing on health care and decides he is going to support a "robust public option".

Author: theuptake
Added: Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:52:40 -0800
Duration: 0

President Obama meets with a group of innovative energy leaders to discuss job creation and long-term plans for strengthening the industry which will play a key role in Americas economic future. CEOs from both small and large energy companies share their own ideas about how to increase productivity through innovation and technology. Transcript at http://www.theuptake.org

Author: theuptake
Added: Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:52:40 -0800
Duration: 0

Live coverage of Al Franken's first days in Washington DC at www.theuptake.org The UpTake's Noah Kunin shows us Al Franken's new office. Franken will be sworn into office as Minnesota's US Senator on Tuesday July 7th at 12:15PM ET/ 11:15AM CT.

Author: theuptake
Added: Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:52:40 -0800
Duration: 0

By Noah Kunin, Senior Political Correspondent 7/1/09 On the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol, Senator-Elect Al Franken thanked his staff and all Minnesotans for the 8-month wait for a second Senator. Senator-Elect Franken also pledged to infuse Minnesota values into the upcoming policy debates on everything from climate change to health care reform. Senator-Elect Franken will be sworn in by the US Senate early next week.

Author: theuptake
Added: Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:52:40 -0800
Duration: 0

Hello and Happy Fourth of July, everybody. This weekend is a time to get together with family and friends, kick back, and enjoy a little time off. And I hope thats exactly what all of you do. But I also want to take a moment today to reflect on what I believe is the meaning of this distinctly American holiday. Today, we are called to remember not only the day our country was born we are also called to remember the indomitable spirit of the first American citizens who made that day possible. We are called to remember how unlikely it was that our American experiment would succeed at all; that a small band of patriots would declare independence from a powerful empire; and that they would form, in the new world, what the old world had never known a government of, by, and for the people. That unyielding spirit is what defines us as Americans. It is what led generations of pioneers to blaze a westward trail. It is what led my grandparents generation to persevere in the ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:32:44 -0800
Duration: 0

President Obama announced that on Tuesday (June 30, 2009) US Troops turned over all of Iraq's towns and cities to the Iraqi government and security forces. Transcript: I want to say a few words about an important milestone that we've reached in Iraq. Today, American troops have transferred control of all Iraqi cities and towns to Iraq's government and security forces. (Applause.) This transition was agreed to last year as part of our Status of Forces Agreement with the sovereign Iraqi government. It's a part of our strategy to responsibly end the war by removing all American combat brigades from Iraq by next September, and all of our troops from Iraq by the end of 2011. So the Iraqi people are rightly treating this day as a cause for celebration. This is an important step forward, as a sovereign and united Iraq continues to take control of its own destiny. And with this progress comes responsibility. Iraq's future is in the hands of its own people. And Iraq's leaders ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:49:37 -0800
Duration: 0

more at http://www.theuptake.org Hours after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled on the long running US Senate race, Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the document certifying that Al Franken is now Minnesota's US Senator. The certificate was co-signed by Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. Franken will be sworn in when Congress returns from its 4th of July recess.

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:49:37 -0800
Duration: 0

Full transcript at http://www.theuptake.org President Obama and President lvaro Uribe Vlez of Colombia talk to the press after meeting in the Oval Office. PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, I am very pleased to have President Uribe here today with his delegation from Colombia. The relationship between the United States and Colombia has been extremely strong. We've had great cooperation on a whole range of issues, and President Uribe's administration I think has, under very difficult circumstances, performed admirably on a whole range of fronts -- on security, on reducing the influence of the drug cartels, in improving the economic situation for his people, and stabilizing the country. He has performed with diligence and courage. And so we are grateful for his friendship and I'm glad that he was able to come and visit us here today. In our discussions, we talked about a range of issues. We discussed, most prominently, the interests of both countries in moving forward on a free trade ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:32:55 -0800
Duration: 0

Secretary Of State Hillary Clinton makes a public appearance after breaking her elbow. She had surgery to repair the injury on Friday.

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:32:55 -0800
Duration: 0

By Noah Kunin, Senior Political Correspondent 6/29/2009 It may be more than a year away, but candidates on both sides of the aisle are lining up to run for Governor of Minnesota in 2010. With current Governor, Tim Pawlenty, declining to run for a third term the race has opened up considerably. The UpTake will be following all the candidates - in this video, we catch up with Matt Entenza campaigning for a clean energy economy in Mankato.

Author: theuptake
Added: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:35:37 -0800
Duration: 0

On Wednesday, the President will hold another online town hall to answer questions about health care. This online town hall will be a little different than the last one. This time around, we are engaging online networks outside of WhiteHouse.gov, such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Author: theuptake
Added: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:50:17 -0800
Duration: 0

Transcript: Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a historic piece of legislation that will open the door to a clean energy economy and a better future for America. For more than three decades, we have talked about our dependence on foreign oil. And for more than three decades, we have seen that dependence grow. We have seen our reliance on fossil fuels jeopardize our national security. We have seen it pollute the air we breathe and endanger our planet. And most of all, we have seen other countries realize a critical truth: the nation that leads in the creation of a clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy. Now is the time for the United States of America to realize this too. Now is the time for us to lead. The energy bill that passed the House will finally create a set of incentives that will spark a clean energy transformation in our economy. It will spur the development of low carbon sources of energy ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:32:53 -0800
Duration: 0

President Obama talks about his support for the energy bill currently in the US House of Representatives.

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 07:52:46 -0800
Duration: 0

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. We have just finished what I consider to be a very productive meeting on one of the most critical issues that I think this nation faces, and that is an immigration system that is broken and needs fixing. We have members of Congress from both chambers, from parties, who have participated in the meeting and shared a range of ideas. I think the consensus is that despite our inability to get this passed over the last several years, the American people still want to see a solution in which we are tightening up our borders, or cracking down on employers who are using illegal workers in order to drive down wages -- and oftentimes mistreat those workers. And we need a effective way to recognize and legalize the status of undocumented workers who are here. Now, this is -- there is not by any means consensus across the table. As you can see, we've got a pretty diverse spectrum of folks here. But what I'm encouraged by is that after all the overheated ....

Author: theuptake
Added: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 07:52:46 -0800
Duration: 0

Full transcript at http://www.theuptake.org President Obama and President Michelle Bachelet of Chile talk to the press after meeting in the Oval Office. PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, I want to thank President Bachelet for taking the time to visit with me today. We had a chance to get to know each other at the Summit of the Americas, and weve spoken on the phone repeatedly. I find her one of the most compelling leaders that we have, not just in the hemisphere but around the world. I congratulate her and her entire team for managing the Chilean economy and the political process in Chile in such a excellent fashion, and I think shes doing an outstanding job. Obviously the friendship between the United States and Chile is strong. We have very strong commercial ties, in part because of the free trade agreement that exists between Chile and the United States. One of the things that weve discussed here is how we can continually deepen that relationship. So we are announcing cooperative ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:52:51 -0800
Duration: 0

More at http://www.theuptake.org President Obama meets with Governors Jennifer Granholm (D-MI), Jim Douglas (R-VT), Jim Doyle (D-WI), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Christine Gregoire (D-WA), all of whom helped co-host forums in their regions. Transcript: THE PRESIDENT: Well, I just wanted to thank the governors that are represented here today -- Governor Rounds, Gregoire, Douglas, Granholm, and Doyle. They are representative of the bipartisan group of governors that hosted roundtables around the country on health care after some initial meetings that I had with the National Governors Association, in which every single governor -- Republican or Democrat; small state, big state -- emphasized how important it was to reform our health care system to control costs, to assure choice of doctors and plans for individuals, and to make sure that we are providing high-quality care. And all of them represent states that have done some terrific work, wonderful experiments, have seen successes. ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:52:55 -0800
Duration: 0

Newly elected House Minority Leader Kurt Zellars answers questions from the press. Zellars replaces Rep. Marty Seifert who resigned the leadership position so he could consider a run for Governor. Seifert is keeping his seat in the House....for now.

Author: theuptake
Added: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:52:55 -0800
Duration: 0

Obama Iranian speech subtitled in Farsi

Author: theuptake
Added: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:33:03 -0800
Duration: 0

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Well, first of all, I want to thank Barry Rand for the introduction, but also AARP, the organization he so ably represents, for coming together with us on this critical issue today. Last week, in my address to the American Medical Association, I spoke about the urgent need for health care reform and what will be required to achieve it. And one of the things that will be required, I said, was that everyone in our health care community is going to have to come together and do their part. In recent days, Chairman Baucus, who has been doing an outstanding job leading the finance committee on this issue, as well as members of my administration, have been in discussions with the pharmaceutical industry to find a way to bring down costs of prescription drugs for America's seniors. And I'm pleased to report that over the weekend we reached an understanding that will help close the notorious "doughnut hole" in Medicare Part D. This is a significant ...

Author: theuptake
Added: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:32:55 -0800
Duration: 0

Full transcript at www.theuptake.org President Obama has a bag full of one-liners.