If you had mixed feelings about Rep. Joseph Cao before last weekend, then chances are they shifted to either "love" or "hate" very, very quickly Saturday night.
Cao, who represents New Orleans' second congressional district, was the only member of the Republican party to vote in favor of the House health-care bill. That vote has drawn enormous criticism and support, along with a few new nicknames to throw his hat on.
We scoured the web and have found several examples of those who love the vote and see it as a signal of bipartisanship ("The Good"), as well as those who downright despise it ("The Ugly"). We cap it off with a couple interviews and some analysis that makes sense of it all.
THE GOOD
- MSNBC's Keith Olberman calls him a "rational Republican" and lauds him for considering the needs of his district over the needs of his party.
- Quin Hillyer with the American Spectator defends Cao's vote, saying he "stuck to his guns" and was representing a 75 percent Democratic district. And if that's not enough, he brings up a GOP favorite for an analogy: Ronald Reagan.
"Ronald Reagan understood that sometimes local issues prevail. He played the game brilliantly. Remember that to pass one of his big initiatives -- either the Reagan-Kemp-Roth tax cut or the major Gramm-Latta spending cuts, I can't remember which -- it was Reagan's willingness to horse-trade that led Democratic then-Rep. John Breaux of Louisiana to boast about some protection he got for the sugar cane industry. Asked if his vote had been for sale, Breaux cracked: 'No, of course it isn't for sale, but it is for rent!'"
- Michael Stickings, a blogger for the Huffington Post, gives one -- but not three -- cheer for Cao. He's pleased with the end result of Cao's vote but attacks his reasoning behind it. He goes as far as to say Obama "bought off" Cao because of his commitment to work together on community disaster loan forgiveness, a factor that was crippling many city projects in development like the LSU teaching hospital.
THE UGLY
- Mad Conservative is, well, mad about Cao's vote. Mad enough to put together a 19th-century style WANTED sign with Cao's face.
- The Washington Independent scoured Facebook for responses from Republicans. What name came up again and again? "Tratior."
- Rush Limbaugh coined a new term: "Cash Cao." That's in reference to Cao's admission that concessions from Obama were made, mainly in the form of forgiving community disaster loans, to secure his vote.
- The Freedom Post also keeps their new nickname for Cao short: Joseph "Mao"
- The Washington Examiner's Terry Hurlbut said Cao's intent to abide by the constitution in representing his constituents backfired, because he says the bill itself is downright unconstitutional.
THE ANALYSIS
- The National Review noticed that state Rep. Juan Lafonta and state Sen. Cedric Richmond were relatively quiet following Cao's vote -- because, as they put it, what would they have said? "I would have pushed the 'aye' button harder"?
However, Richmond did end up releasing a statement that denounced Cao for "blind partisanship" and that his vote came after Democrats had already secured the votes needed to pass the bill.
- The Atlantic takes a shot at explaining why Cao voted in favor of the bill. Among them: Cao faces a tough re-election campaign next year in a heavily Democratic district, a shift in Vietnamese-American politics, several Obama concessions in his district, the vote was largely symbolic and he wanted to surprise GOP leadership.
- The Washington Monthly has a story on Cao's vote that comes with an item about a memo John Boehner, the Republican House leader, published in December after Cao's historic defeat of former Congressman William Jefferson. The memo's title? "The Future is Cao"
"As House Republicans look ahead to the next two years, the Cao victory is a symbol of what can be achieved when we think big, present a positive alternative, and work aggressively to earn the trust of the American people," Boehner writes.
What a difference an "Aye" and a year makes.
- The Economist has the implications of Cao's votes on the Viatnemese-American political community, an often heavily right leaning group, and how it will juggle party politics while keeping the trust of their constituents, which are often mostly minorities.
"Any Vietnamese-American candidate who wants to win an election is going to have to make himself viable to the other minority populations who inhabit heavily Vietnamese-American districts .. But the Republican party has no room for any policy compromises that might play well to those voters."
- The Hill details the moments leading up to Cao's vote, which included a call from President Barack Obama and several unsuccessful nudges from Minority Whip Eric Cantor.
"When the time came for the vote on final passage, Cantor slid into the seat right of Cao to continue pressuring the freshman lawmaker to oppose the vote and deny the White House any bipartisan edge to its victory."
The account shows nitty, gritty politics at its best.
"As soon as the House started the final vote for the day, Cao voted and dashed out the side of the chamber, plugging his ears in jest when reporters approached to find out what happened."
- Fox News says Cao's vote comes after weeks of courtship from Obama.
"Cao said the Obama administration invested considerable time in him. He said President Obama spoke with him for "a period of a couple weeks" and that Obama's staff spoke with him "on a number of occasions."
THE INTERVIEWS
Not enough for you? Tough to please. Here are a couple interviews straight from the horse's mouth.
CNN: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMz9zaMSJ6w&feature=player_embedded
FOX (Geraldo sighting!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXEeb0wchP4
MSNBC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ3RRE3gDwE&feature=channel
And for contrast, an interview in January, a month after his election win. CSPAN: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/283190-1
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pragmatic said on November 10, 2009 at 1:56 AM
Coming from a South East Asian immigrant family, he above all others should know the face of socialism. Trading one's sole for short term gains is never a good choice not even for a politician not even for promises of money to rebuild. We have heard them all before. The expense of this mess can only result in the printing of more money to cover the costs, further reducing the value of our currency. If you believe the feds will be able to manage another entitlement program then you have not lived on this earth very long... If history is any measure of success just have a look into the not too distant past to see the failures thus far and the price tags associated with each boondoggle... Wake up America do not let the promise of free health insurance disguise the fact that nothing in this world is free. Just think about those no longer with us who died to give us the rite to make our own decisions and think about how they might have voted on such a departure from the free market system.
pragmatic said on November 10, 2009 at 1:57 AM
Coming from a South East Asian immigrant family, he above all others should know the face of socialism. Trading one's sole for short term gains is never a good choice not even for a politician not even for promises of money to rebuild. We have heard them all before. The expense of this mess can only result in the printing of more money to cover the costs, further reducing the value of our currency. If you believe the feds will be able to manage another entitlement program then you have not lived on this earth very long... If history is any measure of success just have a look into the not too distant past to see the failures thus far and the price tags associated with each boondoggle... Wake up America do not let the promise of free health insurance disguise the fact that nothing in this world is free. Just think about those no longer with us who died to give us the rite to make our own decisions and think about how they might have voted on such a departure from the free market system.
nightplumber67 said on November 10, 2009 at 2:47 AM
To hell what they say. Represent the majority of your district. If they want Cao to vote against the wishes of his district then maybe Obama should just sign the health bill into law. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
bmbook said on November 10, 2009 at 5:41 AM
This was a well written, witty and fun account to read of the events surrounding Rep. Cao's vote, no matter your take on the vote.
cargogirl said on November 10, 2009 at 9:50 AM
he voted yes for a bill and obama said this morning that he would veto any bill that did not cut medicare so the deficit could ramain neutral, in other words, he just hurt every senior citizen in the state, also, nidal hasan was listed on obamas transition team in 2008, google thinking anew security priorities for the next administration and check out page 29 of the document, thats why obama said not to jump to conclusions cuz he knew the info would be found that he knew hasan . still think obama is not a muslim? theres more to prove it and none at all to disprove it.
harleydad said on November 10, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Well I guess that since the majority of his district is Democrat, poor, has no insurance and basically doesn't work (I don't consider receiving a government welfare check working) it's no wonder that Cao voted the way he did. His constituents won't be paying for the health care bill. But I will !! His constituents won't have to work for their kids to go to college. But I will !! The majority of his constituents won't have to do anything more than they always have done. NOTHING. Just enjoy the free ride until Cao and others like him turn this country into the Communist/Marxist paradise that they want. Hopefully this debacle of a bill will be sent to the Supreme Court and declared unconstitutional.
lalady said on November 10, 2009 at 11:01 AM
I do not know why they wanted this mess to begin with, it did not work in other countries, so why would they think it would work here, I have an elderly mom and now I am scared to think what will happen to her if she should get sick, she would probably be denied health care even though she has insurance. I feel for all the elderly because now if they get sick and if it cost too much they will be denied health care, it is not fair.
nolamarine said on November 10, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Why is the idea of health care reform so hard? Why do the republicans feel that everything should be just for the wealthly? Why do the Democrats believe that every poor person deserve a handout? The answers can be found very easily if they just look in the mirror, we are all from the greatest Nation in the world but if we keep heading down this path of diaster that is called the 2 party system without term limits we are bound to fail. Both parties for only concerned about the special interest groups that fund their side of the debate. The easiest way to get the problems solved would be to get rid of all of the crooks that have been in office creating all of the budget nightmares and slush funds. Create a system of term limits just like with the office of the President where once you serve 2 terms you are out, this would allow fresh blood and new ideas to enter into play. Con't
nolamarine said on November 10, 2009 at 1:11 PM
Con't Joseph Cao did the right thing because he hasn't been in office long enough to have to owe anybody anything for his vote. I think it is great that he broke the party line to do what the voters of his district wanted. If more districts would hold their elected officials feet to the fire you would see real change. Once these politicians are elected they don't care about their districts needs until it's election time. In that needs to change. Term limits would ensure that the elected politicians are held responiable for the votes because they woould be limited to 2 terms to get their ideas passed into the system. Michael Steele said it all after the vote, Mr. Cao didn't vote for the party. Correct me if I'm wrong the party didn't elect the people to office.
rockinroller said on November 10, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Our vision of a perfect healthcare reform plan: 1) Give WORKING AMERICANS ( by birth right AND LEGALLY naturalized ones) and their families 100% free 5-star health care, regardless of physical conditions--imminent and/or "pre-existing". Disqualify Welfare queens and illegal aliens who don't work and therefore do not pay taxes: Simple as that. 2) Insure there are NO possible ways for corrupt thieves within ranks of political lobbyists, insurance corporations and hospital administrations to scam the system. 3) Create funding programs that DO NOT overburden WORKING AMERICAN taxpayers and/or cause irreparable U.S. economy damage. The current complexity of "Obamacare" is enough for me to DISTRUST the bill's authors and supporters. I don't think the majority of supportive Democrats and Rep. Cao, for that matter, remotely understand the behemoth sized bill that surely does NOT cover in any way or form, the three points I've presented.
rockinroller said on November 10, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Those who enter politics dive into a shark pool mix of honest and corrupt political colleagues. Your support on one bill or law can cost you support on such legislation(s) YOU want passed; like show business--you make fans AND critics. Stoic and beautiful as Cao's trading his supportive vote on Obamacare in exchange for Obama's order to "forgive" post-Katrina rebuild debts was--it burns bridges for any chance of passage of other important legislation that could benefit our lives, our society---and ultimately our country and it's frail economy. One of the blissful privileges of being a "rookie" in politics is ignorance---but Cao should NOT abuse the privilege.
macarpen said on November 10, 2009 at 7:32 PM
I not only feel that Cao did the right thing (broke party lines to ensure he did what his constituents would want him to do), but have much higher respect for him for doing that. I am Republican, and I do NOT support the health bill, however I am very impressed that Cao went against party lines and did what he felt was in the best interest of his constituents (many of whom want more "hand out" programs). With that said, I feel that MOST of the people who are making comments have not read most of the actual health care bill, and are just going on what others say and what radical radio/television hosts are saying. I advise everyone to download the pdf file of the actual bill and spend some time educating yourself on its content-- I have and I still do not support it. Only once you know what it REALLY says and what it really includes or excludes, can you make an educated argument for or against it.
daphnola said on November 11, 2009 at 3:37 AM
I think what Rep. Cao did was very brave and I am sure he did it for his district and not what the big wig Republicans who are owned by the Insurance Industry said to do.... I keep hearing people perpetuate many of the lies that Rush and the extreme right are saying, if youre going to get really involved with heathcare, read about it and from all sides..... Dont run with the sheep....... Become the wolf.... I hear people say National Healthcare is bad in other countries, well if its so bad and our system so great why is the UNITED STATES ranked with some third world countries in deathrates from some of the most simple health issues.. The AMERICAN MEDICAL SOCIETY is backing it, read what they have to say ... It will not be government run , it like Englands will be run by the Doctors and Hospitals ....... The only thing a public option will do is lower all our insurance bills, heck I want these huge INSURANCE COMPANIES to have to fight to keep our business..... Thanks for listening
daphnola said on November 11, 2009 at 3:41 AM
If you wish to read what the REAL DOCTORS think about it ... heres the link to the AMERICAN MEDICAL SOCIETY , where they explain the truth , who would you rather trust with your healthcare , a politician or your doctor? Well here are your doctors backing it and explaining it all in detail ..........thanks http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/health-system-reform/ama-continues-hsr-commitment.shtml
daphnola said on November 11, 2009 at 3:46 AM
well
daphnola said on November 11, 2009 at 3:50 AM
I have responded to this article 3 times, and see nothing ... whats up ???
crochunter said on November 11, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Cao, why did you not use this opportunity to educate your district on limited government, freedom, and your authority granted by the Constitution? You have one job and that is to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Anything short of that, despite your intentions, is immoral and illegal. Enjoy your only term.
nightplumber67 said on November 11, 2009 at 4:19 PM
daphanola, Thanks for the link. If the Doctors are backing this then maybe we all should.
alanp said on November 11, 2009 at 6:20 PM
It is a blessing that Cao realized the responsibility of a representative in representative government: That duty is to Represent your district. His district is 70% poor and uninsured..how was he to vote otherwise? It is about time that the ideologues realized that being a member of a particular party is not an excuse for ignoring the needs of one's district. I salute Cao's courage and will be happy to support his re-election as long as he continues to resist the pressure of the bought-and-paid for Boehner et al. to go along to get along. His district needs health care. His willingness to do the right thing is a Profile in Courage little seen in the congress of late. People who are parrotting the Limbaugh line need to step back and consider what the continued cost of uninsured care is doing to our beloved state and city.
crochunter said on November 11, 2009 at 6:52 PM
Good grief, life expectancies have nothing to do with healthcare systems. Comparing us to 3rd world countries is an insult to readers on this site. Bottom line is the Constitution gives no authority for this Congress to do this. Doesn't matter what Rush says or what Olbermann spews. Everyone who voted for this is a criminal. It is absolutely as simple as that.
daphnola said on November 11, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Very Welcome nightplumber.............:) I also thought it was very brave of REP CAO....If his own party wants to abandon him, maybe he should reconsider his side... There are many Pro Lifers on the other side too ........ :) ??? " life expectancies have nothing to do with healthcare systems" please tell me youre teasing .... and taking nothing from what I wrote but the FACT that millions of Americans death rates of certain diseases and common aliments is on the same level as some 3rd world countries sort of says a lot about the reader... that insulted you ???? Lord help us ..... It only matters what those ACTORS say if you believe them, and sadly many people BELIEVE them, many forget they are ACTORS .. Getting paid for stirring up the sheep ...
daphnola said on November 11, 2009 at 7:58 PM
It is also backed by the AARP .... Nightplumber and they also have a bunch of TRUE INFORMATION available on their NATIONAL SITE as well ........ This link is to AARP's site and what they know... http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/policy/articles/_health_care_reform.html
daphnola said on November 11, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Whenever you doubt what anyone says, including people like me on these comments posts, just google the sites of who theyre speaking about ..... Many of the people lying, wont give you anything but , I heard , I was told , They said ......... Always question ........... and learn ......
63panhead said on November 11, 2009 at 8:53 PM
The Dems didn't need his vote for the legislation to pass - the political payoff was and will be hollow for Cao. He won nothing for Louisiana that the Dems weren't already going to give to the state. Cash Cao thinks he has a "good relationship" with Obama - he does because Obama knows Cao is weak...the perfect Manchurian Candidate for the Democratic party. Chairman Cao is Louisiana's Scozzafava - he should be recalled.
crochunter said on November 11, 2009 at 9:40 PM
Daphnola, LMAO! Your capitalized FACTS are so persuading. ROFLMAO! Typical arrogant, condescending liberal. Trying to "teach" and "inform". Oh, the opinion you have of yourself must be swell. LMAO! Cao Overstepping Authority Not the Right Color Not the right Party 2010 regularly scheduled election = One Term
daphnola said on November 11, 2009 at 11:42 PM
All you needed to do CROCHUNTER was check with the AMA and AARP if you doubted it, and when you toss out words that you mean to hurt it shows who you are.... We know too well .....Thats why theres a majority Dem House Senate and President..All right wing republicans were good for was, well thinking too highly of themselves and their crotches.... look at Vittter...Cheated on his wife at the infamous canal street brothel ...Some sheep still follow him blindly ..Im sure a lot of the sheep were upset when that house on Canal closed too and there was John Ensign of Nevada , Mark Sanford the gov of S. Carolina who went to Argentina to see his mistress, Michael Duval of Calif, Larry Craig and his tapping in Minnesota, Richard Curtis of Washington State and his love interest, Mark Foley Repblican of South Florida , o o and Ted Haggard wow was he a whooper, even good ole NEWT Gingrich cheated on all his first of 3 wives..So maybe you overstepped your mouth, I wont address the racism ..
crochunter said on November 12, 2009 at 9:49 AM
Daphnola, again, what are you talking about? To think the sites you want to send ppl to for "true information" is not poisoned with an agenda is ridiculous. What does infidelity have to do with this? Do you really think infidelity is a Republican only issue? Clinton, John Edwards (while his wife suffering with cancer), Spitzer, Paterson and those are off the top of my head. and what about my post was racist? of course, you had to call me that. Liberals don't know how to argue. Just spew the words "Limbaugh", "sheep", "racist". When I hear those words, I know I've won the debate. Get back to healthcare. Where in the Constitution does the Federal Govt get the authority to provide healthcare, control healthcare decisions? I'll save you the time. Not in there. Here's the reply I expect from you "You should pay for everyone's healthcare b/c...well...sheep...FoxNews...Halliburton...Mark Sanford...Bush lied...Rush...racist...windfall profits....blah blah blah"