MSNBC "The Ed Show" - Transcript

Interview

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REP. ALAN GRAYSON (D), FLORIDA: Thank you, Ed.

SCHULTZ: If you had to capsulize what kind of day it"s been for the Democrats, how would you verbalize it?

GRAYSON: It"s a good day. Pelosi is doing what she does so well, which is getting everybody to work together, getting everybody on the same page.

SCHULTZ: Your thoughts on how the president is playing doing down the stretch here?

GRAYSON: I think he"s active. But I think what really matters is that people trust the speaker, and they listen to what she has to say. So she"s having the most influence.

SCHULTZ: She"s having the most influence? What is she saying?

GRAYSON: She"s saying this is what the country needs and we"ve got to get it done for the sake of country. This bill saves lives. It saves money. That"s what she"s telling people. She"s making the arguments on the merits.

SCHULTZ: Well, arguments on the merit, because, you know, there"s a perception out there, I think, with some Americans, at least that have called me on the radio, that deals are being cut, that promises are being made. Is that her character? Do you think that"s what"s happening?

GRAYSON: No. In fact, it shows the Republicans" unscrupulousness that they would try to damage people"s reputations just by making up blatant lies. I saw it on the House floor today. Maybe you can get a clip of that and show it to people. They simply make up lies. They broadcast them out there. They destroy people"s reputations. They don"t care.

SCHULTZ: Congressman, put into perspective how big this is.

GRAYSON: Everyone I"ve spoken to--everyone who has been here a long time says it"s the biggest bill they"ve voted on.

SCHULTZ: Are they nervous about the vote?

GRAYSON: No, they"re looking forward to an America that has comprehensive, affordable, universal health care. That"s how they feel.

SCHULTZ: That"s how they should feel. Congressman, great to have you with us.

GRAYSON: Thank you very much, Ed.

SCHULTZ: You bet. Alan Grayson from Florida with us here tonight on

THE ED SHOW.

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