Hedging? Howard Dean Says 'Individual Mandate Was Never Necessary,' 'Never Gonna See' Single-Payer System

In a quick interview with Red Alert Politics last week, former DNC Chairman Howard Dean made some revealing comments concerning his stance on the fate of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).  Dean, a doctor himself, has not been shy in criticizing the administration and their tactics in passing the immensely controversial bill.  But last Friday he brushed aside the individual mandate, a key achievement of the legislation, calling it unnecessary.

The interviewer asked if Dean would like to see the entire bill struck down so that Democrats would have the opportunity to pass something even more radical.

"I hope the healthcare bill does not get struck down, other than the Individual Mandate, which was never necessary in the first place."

"The rest of the bill does a lot of things for a lot of Americans," Dean said in response, but proceeded cautiously when asked about a single-payer system.  "We're never gonna see a Canadian-style, single-payer system," adding "This isn't Canada."  Dean hypothesized that "different single payers in different areas" might reduce healthcare costs but was otherwise non-descript on the issue.

  Watch Dr. Dean's comments below: