Ratigan: Tort reform overrated. Betsy "Death Panel" McCaughey calls him "unfair" and "partisan"

[ohiodemocratic]

in this video dated October, 2009, Ratigan moderated a debate between health reform's #1 enemy (Betsy McCaughey), and progressive Representative Anthony Weiner (D). Ratigan argued that the public option as it stood at the time was too weak, not offering enough competition. It is clear that Ratigan wants not only a public option, but a strong public option (a view shared by progressives). Weiner followed up by stating Ratigan had made a "fundamental" point. Ratigan also called for the repeal of the anti-trust exemption for health insurers.

When Ms. Death Panels mentioned tort reform as a major solution, Dylan interrumpted her saying tort reform would produce only "minor" results (a view shared by progressives). McCaughey later got frustrated and called him an unfair moderator who was "acting like a partisan."

The conservative website Newsbusters.org said, Ratigan " tag-teamed with Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner (N.Y.) in belittling her every statement." http://newsbusters.org/blogs/mike-sargent/2009/10/06/msnbcs-ratigan-shouts-down-conservative-guest-24-hours-after-lamenting

If Ratigan is a teabagger, he's a very peculiar one. Tea-partiers are against Big Government. They pretend every government intervention is bad. This is inconsistent with Ratigan's desire for a strong public option and his position on tort reform. I like the guy.

[lapfog_1]

1. Who said he was a Teabagger? - n/t

[TexasObserver]

2. Recommend. He's right, of course.

Contrary to the GOP talking points on health, tort claims play a very small role in the cost of healthcare. If tort reform worked, health insurance rates in Texas would not have continued to escalate after such measures were instituted. Tort reform really means "don't hold doctors and hospitals responsible when they hurt a patient through negligence."

[BlueIdaho]

4. Tort Reform...

If it really worked health insurance would be significantly less expensive in those states that have enacted it - which isn't the case.

Its just another conservative hobby horse - a phony baloney reason NOT to vote for health care reform.

[rhett o rick]

3. I read some of the newsbusters' comments. They had a great time spewing hate

but never discuss the issue. Do they allow normal people on that site to comment? I've been kicked off freepers three times