Bush in Bridgeport

Today I have no national news headlines – well, sort of. This morning, we in Bridgeport had the honor of hosting the President. When I first heard he was coming to Bridgeport and holding an event with Chris Shays, I was nervous. A fundraiser like this could bring in a million dollars for Shays, and could tilt a close race. Of course there would be a backlash against Shays, due to Bush’s incredibly low approval ratings, coupled with Shays’ assertions that he is a moderate Republican.

It turns out that Shays was only at a town hall style Q+A with the president. So he only gets the backlash, and none of the money. Excellent news for all. Ironically, none of the audience were from Bridgeport, or any of the fourth district of CT, where Shays represents. The Q+A session dealt with Health Savings Accounts, which allow tax breaks to help pay for medical bills. Of course, those who can save money like this are the people who have health care already, so this does nothing for those without health care. For the President to come to one of the poorest cities in the country and talk about this plan shows that he has no serious plans for healthcare. Shays getting caught up in this was a terrible idea for him, and quite telling of his “moderate” stance. Shays was also for the war in Iraq, privatizing social security, No Child Left Behind, etc.

Afterwards, Dianne Farrell, Shays challenger, held a press conference. It was quick, and she outlined a plan for Universal Healthcare, which is part of the Democrat’s national agenda. She spoke about Massachusetts, which yesterday passed a plan for near universal healthcare. Businesses over 10 employees that don’t provide healthcare pay $295 per employee. The money is used to give those without health insurance free or reduced price state health insurance. They estimate 95% of the uninsured will be covered.

Also, Farrell spoke about a plan for withdrawal. Unfortunately, she didn’t say “lets get out immediately, or at the end oft the year.” What she did suggest was a timetable based on events, such as Iraqi’s getting security, electric power, water, employment, and oil production necessary to finance a portion of their government. I haven’t heard a similar approach, but it seems like a quite reasonable one. She took questions, and although it was hard to hear much else, it was a great press conference and a great political move.

I look forward to seeing the President again, although I only got to witness his motorcade speed in and speed away. There was a good sized group of between 50-100 protestors, and we were interviewed by the Connecticut Post. I’ll let you know if I’m in it tomorrow!