In a 2008 debate against Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama said, "That's what I will do in bringing all parties together, not negotiating behind closed doors, but bringing all parties together, and broadcasting those negotiations on C-SPAN so that the American people can see what the choices are"
Now C-SPAN is taking Obama's idea and challenging Congress to open up the final health care reform negotiations to the public via C-SPAN. It makes a lot of sense- and if there is nothing to hide, why wouldn't the Democrats want to show the public what is going on?
But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi isn't exactly happy with C-SPAN's offer. With an attitude of objection, Pelosi defensively said, "There has never been a more open process for any legislation in anyone who’s served here’s experience".
Minority Leader John Boehner accepted C-SPAN's invitation saying, "As House Republican leader, I can confidently state that all House Republicans strongly endorse your proposal and stand ready to work with you to make it a reality".
C-SPAN CEO Brian Lamb put the Obama Administration, Nancy Pelosi, and Congress to the challenge, reminding them of their own words.
In a letter Lamb wrote, "President Obama, Senate and House leaders, many of your rank-and-file members, and the nation's editorial pages have all talked about the value of transparent discussions on reforming the nation's health care system. Now that the process moves to the critical stage of reconciliation between the chambers, we respectfully request that you allow the public full access, through television, to legislation that will affect the lives of every single American."
Working for the interest of the people- being a "watchdog"- that is how the media is supposed to act.
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