To the Point
Healthcare Reform without Tom Daschle
Can the US afford to reform a failing system of health care in the midst of an economic crisis? Can it afford not to? We hear what's in the stimulus bill and how it could shape debate on questions of life-and-death. Also, former Senator Tom Daschle withdraws his nomination for Health and Human Services Secretary, and the case for private jet planes for busy corporate executives.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenCan the US afford to reform a failing system of health care in the midst of an economic crisis? Can it afford not to? We hear what's in the stimulus bill and how it could shape debate on questions of life-and-death. Also, former Senator Tom Daschle withdraws his nomination for Health and Human Services Secretary, and the case for private jet planes for busy corporate executives.
Banner image: Former Senator Thomas Daschle (D-SD) as he arrived yesterday for a closed door meeting with Members of the Senate Finance Committee. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesDaschle and Killefer Both Withdraw Due to Unpaid Taxes
Former Senator Tom Daschle stunned Washington today by withdrawing his nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Just last night, after meeting with Senators of both political parties, Daschle acknowledged his “mistake,” but called it “completely inadvertent.”
Read the story6 minHealthcare Reform without Tom Daschle
Tom Daschle was key to making good on the Obama campaign's major promise of better access to healthcare for all Americans. Today, the former Senate leader withdrew his nomination to avoid what he called “distraction,” apparently the flap over unpaid federal taxes.
Read the story34 minAre Corporate Jets a Force for Good?
Last year, Big Three automakers enraged Congress when they flew to a government bailout hearing in three separate jets. Today it's reported that former CEO Sandy Weill gave up use of the corporate jet after he and his family used it to vacation in Mexico just weeks after Citigroup received a hefty federal bailout.
Read the story9 min
