Seniors React to President's Speech | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Fresno, CA Resident Ethel Murrey said many fellow residents are afraid about what the reform would mean for Medicare. But a few who watched the president's speech said he did all he could to calm their fears. "We do need healthcare reform. It's long overdue. I think he hit the nail on the…I think he knows what he's talking about," said resident Margie Maloney.

During his speech, the president tried to dispel myths, telling Americans there would be no panel of bureaucrats whose main job would be to kill off senior citizens. Though he worked to clear up all the misinformation, even his supporters know the president wasn't able to win over everybody. "I don't think the folks that were against it, I don't think he did much to move them. Not because he didn't say it, but because they have made up in their minds they don't want to support it," said Murrey.

ABC 30 Political Analyst Tony Capozzi says the President did a good job articulating the need for change. He'll need the momentum since support has waned in recent months. "I think this speech will help taking it over the hump. I don't think he's convinced a lot of republicans to change their minds. I think what he's trying to do is entice them into the fold," said Capozzi.

Carrington Point resident Ethel Murrey says cuts to Medicare don't scare her and she believes she'll continue to receive the same level of care. But other fellow residents still don't think the government has any role in the healthcare debate. "I don't think it's a government problem, it's a people problem. It's up to us to fix it," said Floyd.