Sen. Clinton To Seek Universal Care as President
Presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) on Monday during an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America" broadcast from Iowa said that as president she would seek to establish a universal health insurance system, the AP/Detroit Free Press reports.
At the Science Center of Iowa, Clinton spoke to more than 200 activists at a town hall meeting about health care issues. Clinton said, "We're going to have universal health care when I'm president -- there's no doubt about that. We're going to get it done."
In reference to her failed effort to establish a universal health insurance system in 1994, Clinton said that "we're in a better position today to do that," because the number of U.S. residents who lack coverage has increased and because "so many people with insurance have found it's difficult to get health care because the insurance companies deny you what you need." She added, "I believe the American people are going to make this an issue."
Clinton said that she will seek comments from voters before she releases the specifics of her universal health insurance proposal. In addition, Clinton disagreed with a claim from rival former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) that taxes would have to increase to finance a universal health insurance system. She said, "We've got to get the costs under control," adding, "Why would we put more money into a dysfunctional system?" (Glover, AP/Detroit Free Press, 3/26).
A complete transcript of the town hall meeting is available online. Video of the comments Clinton made on health care issues also is available online.