Republicans must really be getting desperate — their arguments are getting more reckless and absurd.
On CBS’ “Early Show” yesterday, BC04 Campaign Manager Ken Mehlman blamed the lack of tort reform for the flu vaccine shortage.
“With respect to the flu vaccine, it is a very important issue, and it’s another example of this medical liability crisis.”
What’s worse, Bush repeated this nonsense during the debate last night, in response to a question about the shortage of flu shots.
“We have a problem with litigation in the United States of America. Vaccine manufacturers are worried about getting sued, and therefore they have backed off from providing this kind of vaccine.”
I know tort reform is a big project for the GOP, but shouldn’t their arguments at least resemble reality a little? I mean, really. Manufacturing problems at a British plant caused contamination, while another vaccine producer is running low. Who’s to blame? Trial lawyers?
And as long as we’re on the subject, Bush added this gem last night:
“We’re working with Canada to hopefully — that they’ll produce a — help us realize the vaccine necessary to make sure our citizens have got flu vaccinations during this upcoming season.”
Oh, so now Bush is prepared to bring in medication from Canada? What about all that rhetoric that medicine from north of the border “might be from a third world”?