Here's a summary of the questioning-
Olean Times Herald veteran reporter Rick Miller began with this question - "Have you figured out yet how many people in your district, Congressman, would lose health care under this new bill?"
Congressman Reed replied by referring to "bean counters." Reed questions their own numbers and said predictions are uncertain. Reed said, in effect, Obamacare is not working...the goal is for not a single resident to go without health care. However, the Congressman never answered the question and Miller wasn't satisfied. The journalist pushed harder.
Miller asked, "so you don't know how many people in your district would lose health care?"
Reed's response was "I've heard different estimates, from the high end to hundreds of thousands to the low end, much less than that." Reed quickly added those numbers "are just estimates." Miller said "100,000?"
Reed responded, "we've seen different reports, Rick." The congressman said "it's not about just numbers," it's about a system...improving the health care system...taking on a collapsing system...and trying to fix it." Reed continued, "and from my perspective, it's about governing...that's about moving the ball forward and that's what I'm trying to do by supporting this legislation.
As a weekly observer, these media calls are generally light. It was clearly my impression that there was a higher level of tension this week than in those past. Journalist Rick Miller did a great job of pushing until his actual question was answered.
