Is Coburn's 'Die Sooner' The Same As Grayson's 'Die Quickly'?

Is Coburn's 'Die Sooner' The Same As Grayson's 'Die Quickly'?
Eric Kleefeld | December 1, 2009, 5:21PM


Republicans howled with outrage when Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) said that the Republican health care plan was for people who get sick to "die quickly." So we thought it would be fun to check in with some of them about Sen. Coburn's (R-OK) remark that seniors will be told to "die sooner" under the Dems' bill in the Senate.

I asked NRCC spokesman Andy Seré -- who has frequently criticized Grayson's (D-FL) outspoken attacks against the Republicans -- what difference there could be between the two. Seré told me that Grayson's signs and theatrical approach are important.

"I think what Alan Grayson did was go on to the floor of the House with ready-made props, in an attempt to get on TV and make noise, and followed it up with several intentionally inflammatory and hyper-partisan statements," said Seré, "So I think that is what made the Grayson comments so disturbing, it was all about him."

"Grayson accused Republicans of wanting people to die," Seré added. "That is a wildly irresponsible indictment of what's in the hearts of half of his constituents."

Coburn spokesman John Hart also rejected the comparison: "Here's the difference. Dr. Coburn doesn't believe his opponents want seniors to die sooner. He's questioning their judgment, ideas and policies, not motives. He simply believes the Reid bill will have that effect because those who wrote the legislation lack any real world medical expertise and are relying on the same tired ideology that believes more government is the solution to every problem."

When asked to respond to Coburn's remarks, Harry Reid spokesman Jim Manley told us: "Same old stuff, different day from a guy with serious credibility issues. The truth about what will happen to Americans' health care if we don't pass reform is scary enough without Senator Coburn's lies about what will happen if we do. In reality, our bill will save lives, save money and save Medicare."

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