Internal Memo Confirms Big Giveaways In White House Deal With Big Pharma

A memo obtained by the Huffington Post confirms that the White House and the pharmaceutical lobby secretly agreed to precisely the sort of wide-ranging deal that both parties have been denying over the past week.

The memo, which according to a knowledgeable health care lobbyist was prepared by a person directly involved in the negotiations, lists exactly what the White House gave up, and what it got in return. Full Story »

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Posted by: Posted by Derek Hawkins - Aug 13, 2009 - 9:59 AM PDT
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Edited by: Derek Hawkins - Aug 13, 2009 - 9:59 AM PDT

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Peter Henry
4.5
by Peter Henry - Aug. 13, 2009

An important story which documents improper negotiations between the administration and big drug companies and holds Obama accountable for unconscionable dealmaking, behind the back of the American public and his allies in Congress. To get substantial health care reform, Obama needs to build up popular support, not sell it off to the drug companies.

Obama is demonstrating how to be ineffective: In the face of orchestrated political attacks on his lukewarm health care proposal, he is weakening his popular support by making secret deals with drug companies, against what his popular support wants, and what he promised as a candidate. Way to go, O!

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Derek Hawkins
3.5
by Derek Hawkins - Aug. 13, 2009
See Full Review » (2 answers)
Cynthia Gilbert
2.7
by Cynthia Gilbert - Oct. 7, 2009

Sources seem rather sketchy from all points of view. While it might feel like this is probably true, there are 2 or 3 degrees between the reporter and any one with first hand information, otherwise known as hearsay evidence and not particularly probabtive. I would like to see some of the actual participants give up the direct information so we know whom we are trusting.

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John Louden
4.0
by John Louden - Aug. 13, 2009

Covers all the bases; another quality piece from Huff.

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