The first United States Presidential debate between Democratic Presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama of Illinois and GOP Presidential nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona was “civil” at best. One of the topics of the debate which was touched on was the issue of healthcare. Obama and McCain had their own different plans for healthcare.
McCain stuck with his guns. For those that have been keeping up with the US Presidential race, McCain said that as President, he would give each family a $5,000 tax credit to buy health insurance. In this morning’s radio address, McCain said they can get a $5,000 tax credit to buy their own health insurance plan or keep their current plan.
While campaigning in Virginia, Obama took the opportunity to attack McCain. Obama said that he thinks that McCain does not know what the people are going through.
Obama’s said: “That’s the only reason I can think of that he’d propose a health care plan that is so radical, so out of touch with what you’re facing and so out of line with our basic values.”
He also added that McCain would also give a $2,500 tax credit for health insurance for individuals. This was something that McCain had mentioned many months ago. Under McCain’s health care plan, individuals would get a $2,500 tax credit and families would get a $5,000 tax credit.
McCain had first mentioned his health care plan during the GOP and Democratic primaries. During that time Obama and Democratic co-frontrunner Senator Hillary Clinton of New York were brawling over several issues. One notable issue was the aspect of health care.
Obama noted that the usual cost of a family health care insurance plan is a little over double $5,000.
Overall, he did not hesitate to go on the offensive against McCain.
Obama also compared McCain’s healthcare plan to deregulation the banking industry. He attacked McCain’s health care plan as regulating the health insurance companies.
During the VP debate between Obama running-mate Senator Joe Biden of Delaware and McCain running-mate Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska, Biden had pointed out McCain’s support of deregulation.
Obama and McCain had somewhat clashed on the issue of health insurance. But, neither had dealt the other the necessary knock-out punch. While health insurance will be a hot topic, it will be eclipsed by the topic of the economy.
Perhaps either Obama or McCain will link the economy with healthcare in the near future. The election is only a few weeks away and time’s running out. On all topics, Obama and McCain need to be on their S+ games.
I would say A game, but, A does not seem to be good enough. On a side note, S+ is higher than A. If they are going to attack each other’s health care plans even more, time is very limited.