Health Care Rally in South San Francisco features Bill Clinton

California's Lt. Gov. John Garamendi served as the state's insurance commissioner for eight years during which time he worked on a California version of a single payer health insurance system. Today he spoke briefly, just long enough to introduce Bill Clinton, who is endorsing the Lieutenant Governor's campaign for the 10th Congressional District. Although Garamendi did not speak about health care today he has stated recently that he will "fight for a robust public option" while at the same time continuing to be "a tireless advocate for single-payer health care".

Last week Garamendi spoke with distaste about the current legislative plan to require virtually all Americans to get health insurance. Quoted in the Los Angeles Times Garamendi said, "We are about to force at least 30 million people into an insurance market where the sharks are circling...without effective protections, they will be eaten alive."

Today's event drew about 300 progressive Democrats, representatives of Labor, and single payer health care proponents to the Basque Cultural Center in South San Francisco. Several took the opportunity to remind Garamendi of his commitment to single payer. The Raging Grannies joined by a member of their Men's Auxiliary held up signs for Single Payer from their third row seats in the auditorium. Their signs did not go unnoticed by fellow audience members and even, apparently, by Mr. Clinton.