Yes he did. After 20 years of failure, Barack Obama has pulled off what so many of his forebears could not: major health care reform in America.
Across the globe, the media has applauded this historic moment:
The Guardian, Michael Tomasky: Healthcare reform: political gap widens
The Times, Giles Whittell: This time change really is coming to America
Times of India, editorial: Obama scores politically
Globe and Mail, Konrad Yakabuski: Obama staked it all on health care – now he’s assured of his legacy
But in America itself, not everyone is breaking out the bubbly. Here’s how some of the big US dailies saw it today:
New York Times
Editorial: Health care reform, at last
Over time the reforms could bring about sweeping changes in the way medical care is delivered and paid for. They could ultimately rival Social Security and Medicare in historic importance.
Paul Krugman: Fear strikes out
… it is also a victory for America’s soul. In the end, a vicious, unprincipled fear offensive failed to block reform.
Washington Post
E. J. Dionne Jr: Yes, they made history
The passage of health-care reform provided the first piece of incontestable evidence that Washington has changed
Eugene Robinson: A glorious mess
Needed change must not be thwarted, even if some people find it hard to accept.
George F. Will: A battle won, but a victory?
The bill is a museum of hoary artifacts from liberalism’s attic.
Wall Street Journal
Editorial: The doctors of the house
This week’s votes don’t end our health-care debates. By making medical care a subsidiary of Washington, they guarantee such debates will never end.
La Times
Editorial: A historic first step
The path to a sustainable healthcare system is long and complex; Sunday’s vote was a good start.
USA Today
Editorial: Landmark health vote aids millions, leaves tough choices
Many lives will be saved. Many more will be improved.
Jim deMint: It must be repealed
I, and other Republicans, will work to repeal this monstrosity, and give Americans freedom to make their own health care choice
NY Post
Editorial: Bam’s big moment
Whether Obama and Pelosi can buy the American people as cheaply as they bought the House remains to be seen.
Gotta love the republicans who would deny health care to the poor. Probably because the poor, the rednecks and general racists won’t vote for the democratic party.
I think it is excellent for the US and maybe the poor won’t have to be given health care in car parks by charities set up to work in the third world.