Wednesday evening brought President Obama out to address the Joint Session of Congress upon their return from the summer recess. In an attempt to take back control of the message on a comprehensive health care reform bill, Obama took to the pulpit.
“The time for bickering is over. The time for games has passed. Now is the season for action. Now is when we must bring the best ideas of both parties together, and show the American people that we can still do what we were sent here to do. Now is the time to deliver on health care.” And after some facts, details, and “clearing up” of some misunderstandings he stood firm on not accepting the status quo as a solution. “Not this time. Not now.”
He ended his speech with his thoughts on a comment from a letter received from the late Senator Ted Kennedy, on “the character of our country”. Social Security in 1935 and Medicare in 1965 were a test of their times. This will be ours.
So how was the speech received? A few of our media friends have helped us out and complied some interesting reviews. Here is the chatter from the blogoshere.
South Florida Business Journal reports reviews from groups and associations.
Academics and policy people weigh in at the New York Times Blog.
American Academy of Family Physicians says message resonates with Family Physicians in audience.
Experts Analyze Obama’s Speech in Kaiser Health News.
A Sampling Of Reactions From Consumers in Kaiser Health News