Krugman: Health Care Horror Stories

In this morning's New York Times, Paul Krugman tells the stories [1] of just a few of the 27,000 uninsured or underinsured Americans each year whose deaths could be prevented by adequate access to health care. He refutes President Bush's ludicrous claim a few months ago that people do have access to health care in this country, "After all, you just go to an emergency room."

Mr. Krugman goes on to mention the media's recent inquiries into the accuracy of statements by Sen. Clinton on the campaign trail, where she told one of the emergency room horror stories recounted in the article. Although I believe that Sen. Obama has the better health care plan between our two Democratic candidates, I think what is important to keep in mind is that we are finally restarting a national conversation about the need for universal health care. Candidates are talking about it, journalists are writing about it, and my Congressional colleagues and I will continue to keep pushing for it.