I waited with baited breath at the CAP/SEIU debate to hear what the Democratic candidates had to say about the health care crisis in this country. With the exception of Dennis Kucinich and John Edwards, no one offered a comprehensive plan to address the problem. They all “felt our pain.” I am sorry but that is no longer enough.

The most disappointing was Barak Obama – primarily because I want to like him so much. (Disclosure: I even sent him a check.) When a member of the audience noted that Mr. Obama’s website contained no serious discussion of how he would address the problem, all he could say was, “Our campaign now is a little over eight weeks old.” How long have we known about the health care crisis? How many millions of dollars has Mr. Obama collected? How long has he been in political office? I believe Mr. Obama is currently a member of the U.S. Senate. If, as he says, the health care crisis is the most important domestic issue facing this country, what is and has he been waiting for? The time to show his “leadership” is now. Don’t ask the American people to wait.

In a very close second place was Hillary Clinton – but this may be because my expectations are so low. She spent most of her time whining about how hard it was in 1994. All she could offer was a series of minor band aides, which completely failed to address the underlying problem that a vast sector of the populous cannot afford health insurance and that employers are being bankrupted by the rising cost of the premiums.

The award for most disingenuous presentation must go to Bill Richardson.  He stated that he could provide universal health care without raising taxes.  He would end the war in Iraq and use the billions being spent there to pay for his plan.  Where has he been?  The war in Iraq is being financed with debt not taxes.

Dennis Kucinich offered the most comprehensive plan – a single-payer plan run by the federal government.  It was the most comprehensive plan because he has been a co-sponsor of H.B. 576 for years – the details are all there.  His plan would basically extend Medicare to cover all Americans.  It is pure, simple and almost politically impossible because it would put an end to the private health insurance industry on one felled swoop.

Last but not least, John Edwards discussed his proposal for fixing our health care system.  He addressed not only the availability of services but also the rising costs.  Mr. Edwards’ plan includes a government sponsored health plan – an extension of Medicare.  Private insurance would be forced to compete with the government plan – the market place would determine if the private sector can actually meet the goal of universal health care.  Oh, by the way, he admitted that his proposal would require an increase in taxes – from the rich.