Over the last couple of days there has been an increase in Barack Obama's popularity. But with this increase comes the question of whether there is more to him then a charming, intelligent, incredibly well spoken candidate? People want to know if there is substance behind his policies. And if there is real substance there then what is the difference between what he and Hillary are proposing? These are fair questions. Indeed they are necessary questions. So, here is one issue, which I believe is not only substantive but far more likely to pass in Congress then is Hillary’s.

HEALTH CARE: Clinton is proposing a plan which would make Health Care Mandatory for all. Obama is proposing a plan which would be affordable to all but still give individuals the right to opt out.
Hillary must be aware that Republicans will reject the idea of a mandate which puts so much power into the hands of a private industry. The only way her plan could pass is if she can get full support from Democrats in both the House and Senate and keep that support through the incredibly intense lobbying which will ensue.
Obama's plan is far more realistic. His plan guarantees affordable premiums, co-pays, and deductibles, a comprehensive benefits package, and simplified paperwork (Clinton's plan promises many of these things as well). However, a choice rather then a mandate is far more likely to carry bipartisan support. Not only does this make his Health Care Plan more likely to pass but it allows for easier compromise in the future. Both of the plans lay out very specific goals. Indeed, they both have substance. However, Obama has learned from the mistakes and roadblocks Hillary Clinton ran into when she first proposed this policy. Hillary, it seems, has not.

Clearly, one of the purposes of this blog is for me to voice my opinions on politics. However, that is not enough; I want to encourage you to give your opinions on what I am saying. Discuss, debate, ask questions...We're going to have a new President come November and the more informed we are the better a position we are in when we pull the lever to cast our vote.Another purpose of this blog is to workshop pieces: fiction, nonfiction, essays, etc. you or I might be working on.So there you have it, there's no turning back now, YOU’RE IN MY BRAIN! LET THE GAMES BEGIN!