Professor Paul Ryan Touts O'Care Repeal Via Powerpoint As Opposition Grows

[Jimbo101]

Talking Points Memo

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) held an unusual press conference Thursday as he attempted to quell opposition to the bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which since its debut Monday has come under fire from doctors, nurses, hospitals, the elderly, insurers, conservative lawmakers and conservative activists.

Striding onto the stage in rolled-up shirtsleeves, the House leader fired up a Powerpoint presentation about the bill, complete with bullet points and cutesy clip art of a piggy bank and a stethoscope.

The presentation largely rehashed the same talking points Republicans have used for years: the Affordable Care Act is "failing" and in a "death spiral," the nation needs more health care choices and fewer regulations, and the Republican leadership bill "puts patients back in control." He hammered away at the large premium increases happening now under the Affordable Care Act, without mentioning that only a tiny sliver of the country's population is experiencing these hikes.

Using folksy but wonky language, Ryan peppered his TED Talk-style presentation with personal anecdotes, such as the tonsillectomy hospital bills he has had to pay for his own "Irish triplets"—three children very close in age.

Beaming at the dozens of reporters gathered in the Capitol basement room—and especially at the cameras at the back broadcasting his message on most major cable networks—Ryan said Republicans right now have "a once in a lifetime opportunity."

"This is the closest we will ever get to repealing and replacing Obamacare," he said.

[Doreen]

1. He was lying. When he lies his chest gets tight and his shoulders near his neck.

He does pretty good at hiding it in his face.

[Jimbo101]

2. Another "Tell" is that his lips move.

[gratuitous]

3. Paul Ryan doesn't understand the basic concept of insurance

Ryan is all bent out of shape because health insurance means that the healthy pay higher premiums, and that money is used to take care of the sick. THAT'S WHAT INSURANCE DOES, YOU JACK-WAGON.

[scscholar]

4. Sad to see he supports Microsoft

They are addicted to their cheap employees.