Health package is protest target

WASHINGTON -- Chanting "Kill the bill," thousands of conservatives incensed over the Democrats' health care

overhaul protested at the Capitol on Thursday, arguing that the legislation amounts to a government takeover of the nation's medical system.

The crowd, invited on national television by Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., was staunchly anti-government -- "Politicians lie, people die," read one sign -- but loudly cheered the House Republicans who hosted the event.

The protest attracted many of the so-called Tea Party demonstrators angry with increased spending and an expanded government role under the Obama administration.

"This bill is the greatest threat to freedom that I have seen," said House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio.

"We're not going to leave this Hill until we kill this bill," said Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa.

That's highly unlikely. House Democrats hope to pass the sweeping legislation Saturday, buoyed by endorsements Thursday from the American Medical Association and the AARP, the powerful seniors lobby.

Republican leaders controlled their event, focusing on what they said were the flaws in the Democratic bill, as they distanced themselves from Bachmann's invitation.

On Oct. 30, she invited viewers of Fox News to Washington to roam House office buildings and confront lawmakers.

"I'd love to have every one of your viewers join me so that we can go up and down through the halls," Bachmann said. "Find members of Congress, look at the whites of their eyes and say, 'Don't take away my health care.' "

Republicans have offered a slimmed-down health care bill that focuses on reducing costs rather than increasing coverage for millions of uninsured Americans.

At Thursday's rally, the crowd mocked the 1,990-page Democratic bill, which was placed on the corner of a lectern. It was so heavy that at one point it thunked to the ground.

The crowd, including many older Americans, carried placards that ranged from pithy -- "Free health care isn't free" -- to harsh.

"Ken-ya Trust Obama?" said one, referencing the president's African roots and claims by a few that he wasn't born in the United States.

Actor Jon Voight attended, but the real star was Bachmann.

"We want Michele! We want Michele," the crowd chanted as she took the microphone.

Bachmann, a favorite of conservatives for her colorful rhetoric, issued a reality check about the bill's outsized chances of passing. But she added a dash of optimism gleaned from Republican victories on Election Day on Tuesday.

"Kill the bill! Kill the bill!" the crowd chanted.

"Yes, that's exactly what you're going to tell them," Bachmann said.