Obama, Stephanopoulos Spar Over Definition of ‘Tax’
In an interview airing Sunday, ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos pressed the president on his plan to require people to purchase health insurance.
President Obama and ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos got in a testy sparring match Sunday over whether the president’s health care plan includes a tax increase, leading the host to look up the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of taxes.
In the interview airing Sunday, Stephanopoulos pressed the president on his plan to require people to purchase health insurance.
“Under this mandate, the government is forcing people to spend money, fining you if you don’t. How is that not a tax?” the host asked.
Obama responded: ” No, but — but, George, you — you can’t just make up that language and decide that that’s called a tax increase.”
Stephanopoulos then offered the dictionary definition.
“I don’t think I’m making it up. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary: ‘Tax, a charge, usually of money, imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes,’” he said.
Visibly taken aback, Obama rejected the notion it was a tax increase and said pulling the dictionary out was a sign the host was “stretching” a little.
“No. That — that’s not true, George. The — for us to say that you’ve got to take a responsibility to get health insurance is absolutely not a tax increase,” Obama said.
Helpful Articles
Paying in Blood for Liberal Arrogance.
If there is one trait that defines Liberalism, it is a hatred for consequences. No matter what the circumstance, Liberals are either trying to ignore, avoid, or blame others for the consequences of their own actions.
We Told You So.
For years, Conservatives have been trying to alert Americans and all freedom loving people in the world about the dangers the United Nations poses to individual liberty and democracy...
The 2006 Election Frontrunner Is: None of the Above
Democrats might want to wait a few more months before they order the champagne to celebrate their great 2006 election victory over the Republicans...
George Stephanopoulos is correct, this is the government insisting we pay for healthcare! This is “HIGHER TAXES” !!!!
OMG…how DARE he whip out a dictionary! You mean He has to actually MEAN what he says using the correct termonology? GO GEORGE!
Actually, I’m surprised that George Stephanopoulos pressed him on this. They are supposed to be close friends.