Harry Reid & the Anti-Heath Care Reform Dems

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) takes issue with ads supporting the president’s healthcare plan.

Senator Harry Reid slammed the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Thursday for running ads designed to pressure centrist Democrats into supporting the president’s healthcare plan, calling the effort a “waste of money.”

Reid’s comments sent his staff into damage control mode, as they sought to clarify his remarks, but also reflect a growing frustration among those centrists who have been reluctant to back a government-run health insurance plan at the center of President Obama’s healthcare proposal.

“I think it’s a waste of money,” Reid said when asked about the ads. “Democrats running ads against Democrats?”

So where does Sen. Reid stand on this issue?

An aide to Reid sought to clarify his remarks later on, saying Reid has no problem with the ads in question.

“Sen. Reid was led to believe by the question posed to him that the DNC was attacking members of his caucus,” the aide said. “In fact, the DNC is running non-specific call-to-action ads in states with both Democratic and Republican senators, an effort he has no problem with."

John Amato has the correct perspective on this issue.

First of all they are not centrist. That's a bogus word to try and muddle the issue. Dems like Blue America's target Blanche Lincoln, Evan Bayh, Ben Nelson, Mary Landrieu and all the rest are Conservative Dems.

Health care is not a right/left issue, but an American issue.

Standing in the way of real reform makes one a republican obstructionist at this time and not a centrist.

And Harry Reid should be careful who he backs in this fight. These ads came with a blessing from the White House so is he going against the President now? You're supposed to be the majority leader so if they come whining to you again just tell them to act like Democrats.