CNN Anchor Says ObamaCare Defunders 'Lied,' Are 'Holding the American People Hostage'

In a long screed [1] on Tuesday's Tom Joyner Morning Show, CNN's Don Lemon accused "some Republicans" of lying and "holding the American people hostage" over ObamaCare. In focusing on Republicans, he glossed over any falsehoods or failed promises made by Democrats and President Obama about ObamaCare.

"According to FactCheck.org, since 2009 there have been a lot of willing, willful misinformation given to the American people about ObamaCare by both Democrats and Republicans. But really mostly by Republicans," Lemon stated.

Consider the following harsh accusations made by Lemon against "some Republicans":

"Some lawmakers are throwing temper tantrums, Tom, and yet again holding the American people hostage instead of telling them the truth."

"...the running of our government is in peril. The American people are in peril. Livelihoods are in peril. Because some Republicans – not all, but some – have lied themselves into a corner and threatened to shut down the government unless Obamacare is no longer funded. Talk about selfish. Talk about taking your marbles and going home."

So "people are in peril" and the Republicans are holding them "hostage." After firing these shots, Lemon cited FactCheck.org [2] to debunk three "whoppers" on ObamaCare told by Republicans. Yet he ignored failed promises [3] on health care made by Democrats and President Obama.

Lemon also misquoted Republicans. Here's how he reported one GOP criticism of the law:

"8.2 million Americans can't find work because of Obamacare."

Yet here was the actual GOP statement [4] that FactCheck.org critiqued:

"8.2 Million: Americans Unable To Find Full-Time Work Partly Due to ObamaCare."

What the RNC was referring to was the BLS number of Americans holding part-time jobs for "economic" or "involuntary [5]" reasons. And according to reports like this one [6], it is credible to believe that the health care law plays a significant factor in "involuntary" part-time labor.

Yet Lemon assumed the RNC meant 8.2 million people looking for jobs. "The total number of part-time workers who want full-time jobs, and then there is no evidence from official jobs figures that the law has had any impact. That is the total number of part-time workers who want full-time jobs. It's just that simple. It's false."