Menendez on health protests: It’s a ‘moment’ not a ‘movement’

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) said on Friday that protests against health care reform legislation at town halls across the country are simply a “moment” and not a full-blown “movement.”

“Well, I don’t think it’s a movement. I think it’s a moment,” he said on NPR’s “Morning Edition.”

“There’s one universe of voices. Maybe some didn’t like the results of the last election who are very vocal. But there is a very significant universe who understands that even for those who have healthcare insurance” they are spending a larger chunk of their income on it, he added.

Menendez, who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said that healthcare supporters represent a “great majority” of Americans who may not be as vocal as the town hall protesters.

The New Jersey Democrat also called “outrageous” claims that health reform would create government “panels” that decided end-of-life issues.

He said that some versions of the bill contain provisions that encourage care providers to have discussions with patients about their preferences for end-of-life care.