Live From Netroots Nation – Day 2

No CSPAN cameras right now, so I don’t have to worry whether my make-up looks good.

On today’s agenda:
Howard Dean discusses health care reform. The single payer advocates (HR 676) are out in force. I haven’t seen any Obama = Hitler signs yet.

Dean’s thoughts:

Some people are angry because we’re seeing a generational power shift, similar to JFK’s election.

Democrats are winning the debate – you can tell because the opponents can’t argue with facts.

Dean thinks the health care reform that will pass through reconciliation.

Dean has interesting thoughts on the Blue Dogs. They represent conservatives/moderates since Republicans aren’t participating. They’ve made some good changes to the bill, especially regarding small businesses (no requirement for payrolls under $500,000) and Medicare reimbursement. Reimbursement for Medicare/Medicaid is too low and that discourages people from pursuing careers as primary care physicians.

Dean was great! I hope he goes on TV more to talk about health care. His talking points:

The health care bill is about giving people a choice. The public option is not mandatory.

Democratic legislators should support the Democratic president’s plans for health care.

Dr. Dean’s website (DFA): standwithdrdean.com

Arlen Specter and Joe Sestak in a forum. Unfortunately it’s not a debate, each one is speaking separately. I think we’ll get a chance to ask questions. Anyone have any suggestions if I get so lucky as to get to ask a question.

Various sessions: one on local blogging, one on science denial, another on communication that I plan to attend.

I’m sitting at a table with former Alabama governor Don Siegelman. We asked him what he thought the delay in getting justice is – he thinks it’s because Obama has made the unusual move of keeping the Bush prosecutors in place while he replaces them. Why is Obama doing this?

Here’s some info about who interrupted Bill Clinton’s speech last night – Lane Hudson.