Politicians witness public healthcare, deficit backlash

(NECN/ABC) – There is an irony about overflow health care forum crowds. All these people going to members of Congress, telling Congress to stay away from them. “I want government to stay out of my doctor’s office. I want government to stay as far out of my life as I can get them,” Jill Martinole said. “What we stand for is the government is not going to take over our health care system,” Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) told one crowd. In Everett, Washington, a forum drew such a crowd it moved from an auditorium to a baseball stadium. More room — more angry debate. “I wish both sides had a better sense of manners,” John Webber said. New government numbers showed the highest annual federal deficit ever — $1.27 trillion dollars. That is more than $4,000 for every person in the country. Health care reform critics argued the country cannot afford change. Bill supporters said reform will pay off. “Health care reform that brings down the growth rate of health care costs will help our children and grandchildren in affording health care and having less debt,” Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Pa.) said. President Obama has said he will no’t sign a bill that adds to the deficit. Some hope there is no bill to sign at all. Look for more debate Thursday, as members of Congress plan more town hall forums all across the country. ABC’s Emily Schmidt reports.