Reply #29: As I read it, Krugman's the one who doesn't get it.

[calmblueocean]

The way I understand it, Obama is basically refusing a mandate because some people at the bottome JUST CAN'T AFFORD to pay for health insurance, period. They don't make enough. Krugman points out that other people will end up footing the bill, but I don't have a problem with that. Demanding that even the poorest people pay for health insurance just ensures that they will have a harder time moving out of poverty.

Honestly, I support Kucinich's single payer, not-for-profit, universal health care proposal, but Krugman's attacks on Obama seem wrongheaded and out of line to me. If I've misunderstood something about this complex issue, I'm sure some smart DUer will correct me. :)