Viewer - U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold in Appleton, Wis.

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold in Appleton, Wis...

12:17

Joel Christopher:

Good afternoon. We'll be live in about 15 minutes with U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wisconsin. He'll be discussing the issues of the day with The Post-Crescent editorial board. We'll ask some questions posed by readers during the session.

Monday August 24, 2009 12:17 Joel Christopher

12:29

Joel Christopher:

As we're awaiting the senator's arrival, the chat is live. Do you have questions you'd like to see posed to Sen. Feingold? The editorial board will take some time during the conversation to ask your questions as well as its own.

Monday August 24, 2009 12:29 Joel Christopher

12:35

Joel Christopher:

Sen. Feingold plans to talk about health care with the editorial board.

Monday August 24, 2009 12:35 Joel Christopher

12:36

Joel Christopher:

Feingold said he supported military action in Afghanistan after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Monday August 24, 2009 12:36 Joel Christopher

12:36

Joel Christopher:

He is not, however, persuaded that the U.S. should continue to pour troops into Afghanistan.

Monday August 24, 2009 12:36 Joel Christopher

12:37

Joel Christopher:

The strategy is building resentment and creating enemies in Pakistan, Feingold said.

Monday August 24, 2009 12:37 Joel Christopher

12:37

[Comment From mark vandenheuvelmark vandenheuvel: ]

Who does he feel is responsible if mercury leaves wisconsin.

Monday August 24, 2009 12:37 mark vandenheuvel

12:37

Does the U.S. have a coherent policy in Afghanistan?
Yes

( 10% )

( 90% )

Monday August 24, 2009 12:37

12:38

Joel Christopher:

Feingold thinks establishing a timetable in Afghanistan will focus U.S. aims.

Monday August 24, 2009 12:38 Joel Christopher

12:39

Joel Christopher:

Feingold has served in the Senate for 17 years. He says health care has overwhelmingly been the top topic at his listening sessions (he holds one in each of Wisconsin's 72 counties every year).

Monday August 24, 2009 12:39 Joel Christopher

12:39

[Comment From mark vandenheuvelmark vandenheuvel: ]

Can we afford to keep taxing and spending in this nation at our current record rates?

Monday August 24, 2009 12:39 mark vandenheuvel

12:40

What's the biggest issue facing the U.S.?
Health care reform

( 33% )

The ailing economy

( 67% )

Threats to U.S. security

( 0% )

Monday August 24, 2009 12:40

12:41

Do you support a public option in health care reform?
Yes

( 67% )

( 33% )

Monday August 24, 2009 12:41

12:41

[Comment From mark vandenheuvelmark vandenheuvel: ]

Why does he support a goverment ran healthcare plan when clearly 70% of americans are against it?

Monday August 24, 2009 12:41 mark vandenheuvel

12:47

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

Sen Feingold, are you going to get out and meet voters during your break or only do these type of press confrences

Monday August 24, 2009 12:47 Dale McNamee

12:47

[Comment From Laurie Friedman fanninLaurie Friedman fannin: ]

The Democrats have more power now than at any other period in my life time. (I am 52). Why so much hesitancy to use it? DO SOMETHING!!!

Monday August 24, 2009 12:47 Laurie Friedman fannin

12:47

[Comment From mark vandenheuvelmark vandenheuvel: ]

Is the democrats healthcare reform plan socialism?

Monday August 24, 2009 12:47 mark vandenheuvel

12:47

[Comment From ken hippken hipp: ]

My daughter Crissa Hipp, signed up for U.S. Army Reserves and shipped out to basics August 4 2009. We are having an issue with Applegate Apartments, Appleton WI. in having her security deposit returned. She turned in her keys on 7/24/2009 under Federal SCRA provisions.She did this with her recruiter in attendance, and has a signed statement from the Apartment rep.WI states that the return must be within 21 days, but Karademas Enterprises LLC (David Karademas 414-383-5077)which owns the property will not release the deposit because her roommate continues to occupy the apartment. The security deposit was paid by and only in my daughters name. Please get back to me ASAP as this is weighing heavily on my daughter. She doesn't need to be worrying about such matters as she is embarking on protecting the freedoms some people seem to be taking for granted. Thanks for taking the time to read this Kenneth & Cynthia Hipp PS PV2 Crissa Hipp 1st Platoon A Co 3-60th Fort Jackson, SC 29207

Monday August 24, 2009 12:47 ken hipp

12:50

[Comment From Debbie WortnerDebbie Wortner: ]

Why isn't there more support in the Senate for auditing the Federal Reserve when there is clearly a majority in the House for doing so? Shouldn't we know exactly where the money goes, why is the Fed different than any corporation or individual?

Monday August 24, 2009 12:50 Debbie Wortner

12:53

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

Laurie FF...why do you worry about health insurance...the taxpayers are taking care of you....

Monday August 24, 2009 12:53 Dale McNamee

12:53

[Comment From Mark vandenheuvelMark vandenheuvel: ]

Is it not true that social security is running out of money? Should we not fix social security before we try to fund goverment ran healthcare?

Monday August 24, 2009 12:53 Mark vandenheuvel

12:54

[Comment From Jerry HowardJerry Howard: ]

Will SEN. Feingold vote for ANY health care package that does NOT include a GOV option?

Monday August 24, 2009 12:54 Jerry Howard

12:55

Monday August 24, 2009 12:55

12:55

Joel Christopher:

U.S. Sen. Feingold speaking with The Post-Crescent editorial board.

Monday August 24, 2009 12:55 Joel Christopher

12:56

[Comment From Mark vandenheuvelMark vandenheuvel: ]

Sorry, i got to go, i am a conservative, i work for a living. Time for work.

Monday August 24, 2009 12:56 Mark vandenheuvel

12:59

Joel Christopher:

The health care reform debate is about much more than the public option, Feingold says.

Monday August 24, 2009 12:59 Joel Christopher

1:00

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

It took over 20 minutes for him to say that.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:00 Dale McNamee

1:00

Joel Christopher:

Feingold says "there's no way" 70 percent of people are opposed to a public option in health care reform.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:00 Joel Christopher

1:01

Joel Christopher:

Question: Why isn't more money going to health care education?

Monday August 24, 2009 1:01 Joel Christopher

1:01

[Comment From mike nortonmike norton: ]

I believe he is right on that point

Monday August 24, 2009 1:01 mike norton

1:01	Monday August 24, 2009 1:01

1:02

Joel Christopher:

U.S. Sen. Feingold speaking today with The Post-Crescent editorial board.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:02 Joel Christopher

1:02

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

As a lawyer, do you see tort reform being a part of the debate...btw Senator..it may not be 70%, but most are opposed to a public option.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:02 Dale McNamee

1:03

Joel Christopher:

Question: What sort of input on health care reform do you get from health care providers?

Monday August 24, 2009 1:03 Joel Christopher

1:03

[Comment From Mike NortonMike Norton: ]

How do define most??

Monday August 24, 2009 1:03 Mike Norton

1:03

[Comment From Mike NortonMike Norton: ]

How many seniors and vetrens have public health care?

Monday August 24, 2009 1:03 Mike Norton

1:04

Joel Christopher:

Dale, can you put a percentage to "most" oppose the public option, and what do you base it on?

Monday August 24, 2009 1:04 Joel Christopher

1:05

Joel Christopher:

Question: Do you support the idea of an expert committee that provides a report to Congress on health care reform?

Monday August 24, 2009 1:05 Joel Christopher

1:05

Joel Christopher:

"We're in a train-wreck situation with health care reform if we don't do something about it," Feingold says.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:05 Joel Christopher

1:05

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

Gee Joel...how about at least 51%. Where does the Senator get his info

Monday August 24, 2009 1:05 Dale McNamee

1:05

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

Joel, depends if it bi-partisan?

Monday August 24, 2009 1:05 Dale McNamee

1:06

Joel Christopher:

Feingold says he can't envision for health care reform that does not include a public option.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:06 Joel Christopher

1:06

[Comment From Mike NortonMike Norton: ]

I would if support if given onl a short time to repoert back

Monday August 24, 2009 1:06 Mike Norton

1:06

[Comment From Mike NortonMike Norton: ]

Dale where do get yours ??

Monday August 24, 2009 1:06 Mike Norton

1:07

[Comment From Dean JohnsonDean Johnson: ]

only if it's bi-partisan

Monday August 24, 2009 1:07 Dean Johnson

1:08

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

Mike..my opinion, just liker the Senators opinion was his, why did'nt Joel ask him where his info came from?

Monday August 24, 2009 1:08 Dale McNamee

1:08

[Comment From Mike NortonMike Norton: ]

Was civil rights and and social security bi-partisian plans

Monday August 24, 2009 1:08 Mike Norton

1:08

Joel Christopher:

Hi, Dale, I was just posing Mike's question to you. I'm not in the same room as the senator.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:08 Joel Christopher

1:09

Joel Christopher:

He did say, however, that he gets his idea of the strength of opposition to the public option from his listening sessions.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:09 Joel Christopher

1:09

[Comment From Rich EgglestonRich Eggleston: ]

three out of every four Americans feel it is important to have a "choice" between a government-run health care insurance option and private coverage, according to a public opinion poll released on Thursday. According to the Huffington Post, a new study puts support for a public option at a robust 77 percent,

Monday August 24, 2009 1:09 Rich Eggleston

1:09

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

Not Civil Rights...the Southern Dems were against it and the GOP helped Johnson get it passed

Monday August 24, 2009 1:09 Dale McNamee

1:10	Monday August 24, 2009 1:10

1:10

Joel Christopher:

Sen. Russ Feingold says he opposed the trade agreements that "shoved our jobs overseas" during his discussion with The Post-Crescent editorial board.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:10 Joel Christopher

1:10

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

I was wondering which one was you....

Monday August 24, 2009 1:10 Dale McNamee

1:11

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

The Huffington Post...it should have been 100%...:)

Monday August 24, 2009 1:11 Dale McNamee

1:12

[Comment From Mike NortonMike Norton: ]

The Huffington Post is not like Fox News---ll

Monday August 24, 2009 1:12 Mike Norton

1:13

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

Whatever...it is a self proclaimed progessive blog website

Monday August 24, 2009 1:13 Dale McNamee

1:14

[Comment From Dean JohnsonDean Johnson: ]

Am I mistaken, but just because there's a govt. option doesn't mean you have to take that option. You can keep your current provider.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:14 Dean Johnson

1:15

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

God..can he ramble on

Monday August 24, 2009 1:15 Dale McNamee

1:15

[Comment From Mike NortonMike Norton: ]

Thats true Dean

Monday August 24, 2009 1:15 Mike Norton

1:16

Joel Christopher:

Unlike television, this gives you a chance to hear more than sound bites. I find it refreshing to hear guests of all political persuasion have the opportunity to fully answer a question.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:16 Joel Christopher

1:17

[Comment From Mike NortonMike Norton: ]

I know they are talking about t he economy- does Sen,Feingold think the stimulis packages have done much to create a better economy

Monday August 24, 2009 1:17 Mike Norton

1:18	Did you think Feingold answered the question about the governorship directly? Yes ( 67% ) No ( 33% ) Monday August 24, 2009 1:18

1:19

Joel Christopher:

Feingold says "he's likely to run for re-election."

Monday August 24, 2009 1:19 Joel Christopher

1:19

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

Dean...a punlic insurance group can run at a loss and get proped up by the taxpayers..a privite company must make a profit...so as companies see they can save money by dumping people in a public plan...the more and more people will be in it...the more taxpayers will have to pay in...as long as government keep subsidieing a punlic plan, they will be able to undercut the privite companies...whhy do you think jobs are leaving wei...they are undercutting us...sam thing with insuraance

Monday August 24, 2009 1:19 Dale McNamee

1:19

[Comment From Mike NortonMike Norton: ]

Oh plase people he has no interest in the governorship

Monday August 24, 2009 1:19 Mike Norton

1:20

Joel Christopher:

He didn't exactly rule it out, Mike.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:20 Joel Christopher

1:20

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

He would have to work...not just talk

Monday August 24, 2009 1:20 Dale McNamee

1:21

Joel Christopher:

Dale, whatever your thoughts about the senator's politics, there is no denying he adheres to a punishing schedule to hold listening sessions in all of Wisconsin's 72 counties every year.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:21 Joel Christopher

1:21

[Comment From Mike NortonMike Norton: ]

No he thinks he had a greter impact to help the country as a whole

Monday August 24, 2009 1:21 Mike Norton

1:22

[Comment From Dean JohnsonDean Johnson: ]

Dale.. Are you saying that the private co. would lose jobs and/or go out of business because of it?

Monday August 24, 2009 1:22 Dean Johnson

1:22

[Comment From Mike NortonMike Norton: ]

Hey my qusstion was aked

Monday August 24, 2009 1:22 Mike Norton

1:22

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

Joel...I have to get going...thanks however asked my question about tort reform.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:22 Dale McNamee

1:22

Joel Christopher:

You bet, Dale. Thanks for participating!

Monday August 24, 2009 1:22 Joel Christopher

1:23

TerryLipshetz:

When you ask a question, I pass it along to our moderator and executive editor, Dan Flannery.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:23 TerryLipshetz

1:24

[Comment From Kevin HoyerKevin Hoyer: ]

What does the senator feel about the cap & trade bill that came out of the House? Is he aware of the tax implications that will be involved? What does he see Wisconsin's reaction to that bill?

Monday August 24, 2009 1:24 Kevin Hoyer

1:24

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

I am saing that as long as the public option is being subsidied by taxpayers, it will be able to undercut privite...what do you think will happen to any buissness when your competation can beat your price? You go out if bussiness...Econ 101...

Monday August 24, 2009 1:24 Dale McNamee

1:25

[Comment From Mike NortonMike Norton: ]

I wonder if he would changed anythig different about stimulis packages if he could

Monday August 24, 2009 1:25 Mike Norton

1:25

[Comment From Dale McNameeDale McNamee: ]

I have to go....

Monday August 24, 2009 1:25 Dale McNamee

1:25

[Comment From Dean JohnsonDean Johnson: ]

Dale.. got cha.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:25 Dean Johnson

1:29

Joel Christopher:

Just because Democrats "have the power to jam things through" doesn't mean it's the right thing to do, Feingold says. "We have to aspire to a higher type of government."

Monday August 24, 2009 1:29 Joel Christopher

1:29

[Comment From Patricia McNaughtonPatricia McNaughton: ]

How will the government force Americans to enroll in mandated health care against their will?

Monday August 24, 2009 1:29 Patricia McNaughton

1:30	Monday August 24, 2009 1:30

1:30

Joel Christopher:

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold talks today with The Post-Crescent editorial board. He called for a flexible timeline for withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:30 Joel Christopher

1:31

Joel Christopher:

President Barack Obama has "shown a lot of maturity" on many issues, but the biggest problem has been health care reform. "Counting Barack Obama out is a mistake," Feingold says.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:31 Joel Christopher

1:32

Joel Christopher:

Obama has made mistakes in health care reform strategy, but he's trying to fix those, Feingold says.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:32 Joel Christopher

1:33

Joel Christopher:

The processes of the Senate have "almost been ruined" by the use of the filibuster by both parties, Feingold says.

Monday August 24, 2009 1:33 Joel Christopher

1:35

Joel Christopher:

Thank you, everyone, for your participation in today's chat with U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold. You can replay the chat at www.postcrescent.com.