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[3:08] ..." health care team whose work will be critical. To those efforts. Senator Tom Daschle. And doctor Jean Lambert. I've asked Tom to serve not just as my secretary of health and human services. But also of them as my director of White House my white house office of health reform. As such you will be"...
[3:49] ..." more medical debt than ever before. 45 million fellow citizens have no health insurance at all. And day after day we witness the disgrace of parents and able to take a sick child to the doctor"...
[5:40] ..." suited to lead this effort than the man standing beside me today. Tom Daschle is one of America's foremost health care experts. In gene have written a ground breaking book on the subject filled with fresh"...
[7:11] ..." a leading thinker on this issue nationally recognized for -- research on Medicare Medicaid long term care and be -- ensure. She's a policy and budget expert having served at a senior level at both the Office of Management and Budget and the National Economic Council. She helped lead the effort in the White House to create the Children's Health Insurance Program. And she helped craft the president's Medicare reform plan and long term care -- And like Tom -- has a personality"...
[9:43] ..." investing in prevention and wellness. A well functioning Department of Health and Human Services. Can play a strong role. In tackling the many health care challenges our country faces. And as director of the white house"...
[22:10] ..." terms of how we're going to deal with the rollback of the bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans that's part of the charts and I've given to my economic advisors working in concert without health care"...
[0:00]" Before we get on the subject of today's press conference there a couple of issues I'd like to address. Today we received more unsettling news about our economy. Doubles claims are now the highest they've been in 26 years. -- more than 570000. People filing for unemployment benefits for the for the very first time. And this news comes at a moment when our auto industry is struggling threatening the jobs healthcare and pensions and not just thousands of American auto workers. But dealers suppliers. And others all across America. I understand the people's anger and frustration. The situation our auto companies find themselves in today. I raised concerns about the health of auto industry your and a half ago when I spoke to industry leaders in Detroit. I urge them to act quickly to adopt new technologies -- new business approach. That would help them stay competitive in these changing times and wall they've failed to move quickly enough towards these goals. At this moment of great challenge for our economy we just cannot simply stand by and watch this industry collapse. It's doing so would lead to a devastating ripple effect. As I have said it repeatedly. I believe our government should provide short term assistance to the auto industry to avoid a collapse. While holding the companies accountable and protecting taxpayer interests. Legislation in congress right now is an important step in that direction and I'm hopeful that a final agreement can be reached this week. I'm also aware of your interest in the matter the Illinois senate appointment. -- say that I was as appalled and disappointed. As anybody. By the revelations earlier this week. I have never spoken to the governor on this subject. I am confident that no representatives of mine would have any part of any deals related to this week. I think the materials released by the US -- reflect that fact. I've asked my team to gather the facts of any contacts with the governor's office. About this vacancy so that we can share them with the U over the next few days. Finally. On this matter let me say that the Senate seat does not belong to any politician to trade. It belongs to the people of Illinois. And they deserve the best possible representation. They also deserve to know that any vacancy it will be filled. In an appropriate way so that whoever sent to Washington is going to be fighting for the people of Illinois. I hope and expect of the leaders of the legislature won't take these steps to ensure that this assault. I'd now like to turn to the topic of today's press conference over the past few weeks vice president Biden and I have announced key members of our economic team. Or working as we speak to craft a recovery program that will save and create millions of jobs and grow -- struggling economy. Today I'm pleased to announce two leading members."
[3:08]" Of my health care team whose work will be critical. To those efforts. Senator Tom Daschle. And doctor Jean Lambert. I've asked Tom to serve not just as my secretary of health and human services. But also of them as my director of White House my white house office of health reform. As such you will be responsible. Not just for implementing our health care plan you will also be the lead architect of that plane. -- will serve as deputy director of this office working closely with Tom on these efforts. It's hard to overstate the urgency of this work. Over the past eight years premiums have nearly doubled and more families are facing more medical debt than ever before. 45 million fellow citizens have no health insurance at all. And day after day we witness the disgrace of parents and able to take a sick child to the doctor senior is unable to afford the medicines people. Who wind up in emergency rooms because they have nowhere else to turn. Year after year our leaders offer. Up detailed health care plans -- great fanfare and promise only to see them -- derailed by Washington politics. And influence peddling. This simply cannot continue. The runaway cost of healthcare is punishing families and businesses across our country. Were on an unsustainable course and it has to change. The time has come this year in this new administration to modernize our healthcare system for the 21 century. To reduce costs for families and businesses and to finally provide affordable accessible health care for every single American. Now some might ask how at this moment of economic challenge we can afford to invest in reforming our health care system and I ask a different question. I ask how can we afford not to. Right now small businesses across America are laying off. -- shutting their doors. For good because of rising health care costs. Some largest corporations in America including major American carmakers. Are struggling to compete with foreign companies unburdened by these costs. Instead of investing in research and development instead of expanding and creating new jobs -- companies are pouring more and more money. Into a healthcare system that is failing to many families. So let's be clear if we want to overcome our economic challenges we must also finally address our health care challenge. I can think of no one better suited to lead this effort than the man standing beside me today. Tom Daschle is one of America's foremost health care experts. In gene have written a ground breaking book on the subject filled with fresh ideas and creative solutions. And -- thinking on this issue -- not just by statistics he studied -- policy papers he's -- but by his years representing the people of South Dakota. Witnessing firsthand their struggles as hospitals closed doctors were few and far between and chair was often out of reach. But Tom brings more than just great expertise to this task he brings the respect that he earned during his years of leadership in congress. He knows how to reach across the aisle and bridge bi partisan divides in he has the trust the folks from every angle of this issue. Doctors nurses and patients unions and businesses. Hospitals and advocacy groups all of whom will have a seat at the table as we craft our plan. And once we pass this legislation -- can rely on talk to implement it effectively. A gifted manager Tom is the original note from a guy. Known for speaking softly but leading boldly. Always treating a staff with -- respect while demanding excellence and empowering them to deliver. And I don't -- bring that same decency graciousness and pragmatism to this new role. Tom could not have a better partner in this work -- gene Lambert. -- brings a depth and range of experience on health care that few can match. She's a leading thinker on this issue nationally recognized for -- research on Medicare Medicaid long term care and be -- ensure. She's a policy and budget expert having served at a senior level at both the Office of Management and Budget and the National Economic Council. She helped lead the effort in the White House to create the Children's Health Insurance Program. And she helped craft the president's Medicare reform plan and long term care -- And like Tom -- has a personality perfectly suited to reaching out and building consensus. She listens she treats people well. She like Tom believes as Tom put in his farewell address to the Senate. That the politics of common ground it will not be found on the far right or the far left. That's not where most Americans left. We won't only find it in the firm middle ground of common sense and shared values. I could not agree more and I look forward to working -- Tom and -- in the months and years ahead. Would that let me ask Tom to step forward and say if you want."
[8:17]" Thank you very much Mr. President elect. It is a great honor to be nominated to work on the an issue that is so close to my heart. Leading an organization that touches so many lives. At a time. It's that. There is so much at stake. There's no question that fixing health care is and has been for many years. Our largest domestic policy challenge. We have the most expensive health care system in the world. But are not the healthiest nation in the world. Are growing costs aren't sustainable. And the plight of the uninsured. Is unconscionable. Addressing our health care challenges. Will not only mean healthier. And longer lives for millions. It will also make American companies more competitive. Address the cause of half of all of our personal bankruptcies. And foreclosures. And help pull our economy out of its current tailspin. That is why it is so exciting for me to take this dual role that you've outlined today. Not just implementing reform. But helping to generated. Whether it's administering Medicare. And Medicaid. Keeping our food and pharmaceuticals safe. Researching the cures of tomorrow. Or investing in prevention and wellness. A well functioning Department of Health and Human Services. Can play a strong role. In tackling the many health care challenges our country faces. And as director of the white house office of health reform. I'm eager to work closely with the people from across the country. To find a path forward that makes health care in this country is affordable. And available. As it is innovative. As you did so effectively in your campaign Mr. President elect. We're also going to bring the American people. Into this conversation. And make health care reform and open and inclusive process that goes. From the grassroots up. Over the next few weeks will be coordinating thousands of healthcare discussions in homes all across the country. -- website changed I'd -- ordinary Americans can share their ideas about what's broken. And how to fix it. I'll be attending some of these discussions. -- neat ideas generated by others in looking forward to reporting back to you. On what we find. When the first conversations I had with then senate candidate Obama. Was about the need for meaningful national health care reform. Today. I'm grateful. To president elect Obama. For giving me the chance to make that a reality. I'm honored by your trust. And I look forward to the opportunity to serve our nation once again. Thank you."
[11:26]" Okay we're Bellamy opening up some questions -- our objective. -- It's okay."
[11:56]" Well. Who -- repeat a couple of things. Number one I think like most people bill -- I was appalled. And disappointed. By -- what we heard in those transcripts. And still here in Illinois. As is -- across the country there is a tradition of public service where people are getting in it for the right reasons and to serve. But there's also -- tradition where people view politics is a business. And part of the reason that I got -- politics ran for the state senate ran for the United States and ultimately ran for the presidency is because. We have to reclaim a tradition of public service that is about people. And their lives and their hopes and their dreams and it isn't about what's in it for me. And I think the public trust has been violated. This all. Let me be absolutely clear I do not think that the governor at this point. Can effectively serve the people of normal. -- the legislature is going down. To Springfield to make a determination. As to how to resolve this issue I think they're going to come of the same conclusion. I hope that the governor himself comes to the conclusion that he can no longer effectively serve and that he does was -- In terms of our involvement I'll repeat. What I said earlier which is I had no contact with the governor's office. I did not speak up to the governor about these issues that I know for certain. What I want to do is together all the facts about any staff context that I might may have that the may have taken place between. The transition office and the governor's office and won't have those in the next few days more present them. But what I am absolutely certain about is that our office had no involvement in any deal making around my sentence. That I'm absolutely certain and the event is that would be a violation of everything that this campaign. Has been about and that's not how we do business so. Field I think that. Like the rest of the people of Illinois what I want to see is a quick resolution of this issue. I want to make sure that the next senator from the state of Illinois is gearing up for tradition of service. That the next senator from Illinois is not tainted by what has taken place so far. Want to make sure the the next senator of Illinois focused on health care jobs and all the struggles that the families of the state are going through. Joy --"
[14:54]" I have not been contacted. By. Any got federal officials. And we have not been interviewed. By them. As is reflected in the US attorney's report. We were not. I think perceived by the governor's office as. Amenable to any deal making. And they are won't pull back some of the things that were said about me. So. This is a -- program I know. So. -- still. In. So -- beyond that. I'm not -- certain where the investigation is going forward I'll leave mr. Fitzgerald to address those issues. Because. Mike Flannery. CBS."
[15:49]" Shed any light. Governor. Well the -- Why he says beautiful things about. We have the former immediate. Or got -- gold bull. -- Law."
[16:22]" Well. First the ball well I can't presume to know what was in the mind of the government. During this process so I won't even speculate on that. All I can do is. Read what was in the transcripts like the rest of your rhetoric. And I shake my head. Now. With respect to Illinois -- As I said."
[16:52]" I think in Illinois as is true. In American politics general. There are two views of politics. There there is a pure politics -- says you go in this for sacrifice. And public service in the mayors of pure politics that says. That this is a business and your -- and -- London. What's in it for me. And there are one thing I want to make sure everybody is mindful of there are extraordinary. Traditions of public service coming out of -- more. Even after Abraham Lincoln. You've got people like Paul Simon and Paul Douglas. Our current senator Dick Durbin our senior senator. And many others on both sides of the who. Have upheld the highest standards of ethics. And have made enormous sacrifices. To make sure that they're getting something done for the people of Illinois. But -- you also have I think our. Habits and a culture. That thinks of politics whereas. -- as a means of self aggrandizing. That's exactly what has to change I mean this is at. If in fact. Various allegations. End up proving to be true then and I don't want. Obviously pre judge all these issues. This is sort of the far end of the spectrum. Of that business mentality of politics but there are more subtle. Examples of it right that are within the lines of legality. But. Still. Don't fulfill the Spirit of service. Bill that we know in Washington that lobbyists have disproportionate influence we know that. In. State houses and and city council's all across America. There are times where people are not thinking about what's best for the public good. But rather making naral political calculations. And our whole campaign was about changing. That view of politics. And restoring a sense that when people of good will come together and are serious about. Confronting Magellan challenges that we face. That not only can that be good policy but you know what it can be good politics as well it turns out that the American people are hungry for that. And you can get elected by playing it straight you can get elected by -- on the right back. That's what I hope we have modeled in this campaign and and that's what I into the model. In my administration. Last question we'll say. Every Charles --"
[20:09]" Well. Who let me start. By talking about. The issue of cost. Because. Central to our. My health care plan during the campaign. The starting point was how do we reduce costs. How do we."
[20:28]" Gains savings that we commend put into prevention and help fight T and making sure the people who don't currently have coverage get coverage and families. War seeing their premiums -- get relief. And so. What. What we want to make sure of was that any plan that we have. Starts with the premise that rising costs are unsustainable we can't simple way. Insure everybody. Under the current program without bankrupting the government. Or bankrupting. Businesses or states so. We're going to spend a lot of time on how do you streamline and rationalize the system. And I think you can fairly expect that we're going to have some very aggressive initiatives around things like help fight -- Around things like prevention. That. Reduce -- we're also going to examine programs that I'm not sure are giving us a good bang for the buck. The Medicare Advantage program as one that -- already cited where we're spending billions of dollars subsidizing insurance companies. For a program that doesn't appreciable -- improve the health of seniors under Medicare. So our starting point six now we are probably going to have to do them find out additional dollars. Just pay for. Some investments in the short term although. Mike charged to my team is figuring out how we make sure that it pays for itself. Over say a ten year period so the work actually saving money over the long term. And I have not made -- determination in terms of how we're going to deal with the rollback of the bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans that's part of the charts and I've given to my economic advisors working in concert without health care team. Today we're going to be sitting down and start the -- out how does this process move forward. And my goal is to make sure that we have. Everybody involved. Doctors nurses. Patient advocates. That we have businesses. Labor. Everybody sitting around the table Republicans and Democrats is going to be an open and transparent process -- made this promise during the course of the campaign. We're still going to have a bunch of this stuff on C span. We are. Tom has already initiated a process where we're going to have. Groups around the country who are convening to talk about what they think needs to be poised and health care plan. My hope is to convene all the interest of parties in Washington. Sometime early in my administration. And make sure that we are. Moving forward. Open minded to all kinds of good ideas but insistent that the time is now to solve this problem. I've met too many families during the course of the campaign before the economic downturn that are desperate. Close to 50% of family bankruptcies. Our cause because of health care crisis we know the strains that are being placed on businesses as a consequence of rising health care costs so. This has to be. Intimately woven into our overall. Health care so overall economic recovery plan it's not something that we can sort of put off because we're an emergency this is part of the emergence. And what we want to do is make sure that our strategy. Reflects that -- OK thank you guys for --"
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