Challenged by Gov.-elect Nikki Haley (R) of South Carolina, the President denied her request to repeal the health care bill in the state.  Haley told the President that small businesses and individuals in South Carolina could not afford Obama health care, but the President held fast to his position.  He stated that under certain circumstances, he would consider letting states opt out of the mandates.  These circumstances include running exchange programs and banning insurance companies from denying coverage for those with pre-existing conditions.

While Haley and the President did not agree on Obama health care, Haley did state that she appreciated the President’s openness and attention to concerns, and that she is dedicated to protecting the citizens of South Carolina.

Gov.-elect Mary Fallin of Oklahoma also challenged Obama health care according to reporters, who was told that “I’m President, and I’ve got another two years to go”.  White House aides said the exchange between the President and Fallin was not contentious, but the President was firm in the fact that he still stands by the health care bill passed in March.

Even though the President was facing many Republicans who were elected in November because many voters were against Obama health care and the ever expanding reach of the federal government, Obama told the group that states could only go so far in their attempt to push the federal government out of the way.

Amidst a group that consisted of 19 newly elected Republican governors and 4 Democrats, the President also discussed how to curb spending at a time of budget shortfalls.  He told the group that he was interested in hearing from them about programs that were working well, or those not working so well.  President Obama stated, “Contrary to the mythology, believe it or not, it turns out that I would love to eliminate programs that don’t work”.

When it comes to Obama health care, the President is unflinching in his support of the new law.  It seems that this is the one topic that is not up for debate.  Some individuals even believe that the GOP’s hatred is not for the health care law as much as it is for the President himself.  This goes back to Obama health care being the exact same program that the GOP proposed a few years ago, so why is the party suddenly against it?

Mark South
Obama Health Care