Harry Reid Defends Comparing Health Care Opponents to Slavery Sympathizers

On the Senate floor Monday, Reid compared the health care debate to previous, noble battles in American history, including the war to end slavery, and likened the Republican opposition to health care reform to other failed efforts to stop progress in America.

"This is indeed historic and I'm not afraid to say it is," Reid said Monday. "But instead of joining us on the right side of history, all Republicans can come up with is, 'Slow down, stop everything, start over.'

"If you think you've heard these excuses before, you're right. When this country belatedly recognized the wrongs of slavery, there were those who dug in their heels and said, "Slow down, it's too early, things aren't bad enough.'" Reid added the women's suffrage movement and the civil rights struggle to the list of fights that overcame even the staunchest opposition. "History is repeating itself before our eyes...If not now when?" Reid asked rhetorically.

Republicans pounced on Reid's remarks. GOP Chairman Michael Steele called Reid's comments "ignorant" and told "CBS News" that Reid should apologize. "It has nothing to do with the historic roots of slavery," he said. "Harry needs to go to the well of the Senate, take it back, and apologize for offending the sensibilities of the American people on something so important."

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) called Reid's speech "extremely offensive," while Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) said the majority leader's comments were "an indication of desperation."

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said he was "astonished and taken aback" by Reid's comments and went to the Senate floor to deliver his own response to Reid. "I would very much appreciate it if Senator Reid would come to the floor and, if not apologize, certainly clarify his remarks that he was not referring to those of us who we believe are carrying out our constitutional duties, and that is, in acting in the best interests of our constituents on an issue that will impact the United States of America for years, and years, and years," McCain said.

Despite those sharp responses from Republicans, or perhaps because of them, Reid not only stood by his comments on Tuesday, he added that people who attacked him for his statements are living examples of the resistance he was lamenting in the first place.

"Anyone who willingly distorts my comments is only proving my point," Reid said.