On Tuesday, Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) excoriated Congressman Tim Griffin (R-AR) and Republicans over their intransigence on Obamacare. He reminded them that they did not like President Bush’s new drug program. They had valid objections. The donut hole and lack of negotiating on drug prices were serious flaws. Democrats in the end helped make the program work.

The following exchange was beautiful to watch. One would hope more Democrats would get the spine to speak up as this congressman did. Americans need to see those that support the program display more passion than those that hypocritically oppose it. This program is essential as a pathway to real universal health care coverage.

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ): Despite Democrats opposition to Part D ten years ago we committed to making the best of the program. … We lost the policy fight. And what did we do? We went back to our districts. And we told our seniors although we voted no, we personally believe and would work with the Bush administration to make it work. That’s what we did. And how many of you stood up to do that. … What are you going to do about the approximately seventeen million children with pre-existing conditions who can no longer be denied health insurance coverage. … You are going to tell the parents of those kids? Which one of you is going to stand up and tell the parents of those children, the game is over. Sorry, that was just a failure. Rep. Tim Griffin (R-AR): Will the gentleman yield. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ): Yes I will. Rep. Tim Griffin (R-AR): It’s a false choice to say it’s Obamacare or nothing. There are numerous proposals including the one I am a co-sponsor of. … Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ): Are you really serious; after what we have gone through over the last three and a half years? You can sit there and say that you had a legitimate alternative after these years? We’ve gone through 44 votes, 48 votes now of you trying to dismantle this legislation. You call that cooperation? I don’t.

It was evident that Democrats are starting to hit a sensitive spot in these hearings. Republicans have opposed most laws that expanded the safety net. This is why they respond immediately to the valid accusations. Their responses are generally flawed at best.

Having hearings like these provide Democrats with a platform to expose those who really care about the well-being of middle class Americans. It is important that one is not meek in defending the values Democrats and progressives stand for. Republicans are bold in lying about their policies’ impact on Americans. Democrats must be more passionate in truth telling. Democrats must buck lies at every turn mercilessly.