Obama And The Public Option: "I Want An Animal That Looks Like A Duck, Walks Like A Duck And Talks

[Beetwasher]

Like a duck. Right now, as far as I can tell, a duck is the only animal that fits this description. But if you can find another animal that fits this description, I'll accept it."

He's not backing down from a public option. He's looking reasonable and willing to compromise, but in the end, he knows, they won't be able to present him with another animal.

Right now is the time for the BIG PUSH. This whole thing has been timed perfectly. The Repubs have blown their wad WAAAAY early and showed their hand, now Obama comes out w/ the big guns, but don't expect him to be an obnoxious jerk who is OBVIOUSLY ramming his agenda down everyone's throats, that's not his style. He's more subtle. And effective.

[BeyondGeography]

1. Little boys and girls in heat, those Pubs

Adult supervision is coming to town.

[goclark]

2. I want him to say " Yes We Can Have A Public Option!"

Go for it Obama, go for it.

[Clio the Leo]

3. Thank you. NT

[ccharles000]

4. k/r

[redqueen]

5. I wish our Dems would make Medicare the public option.

I know that's a lot to hope for... given their cowardly/lobbyist-friendly dispositions.

[Beetwasher]

6. Don't Count That Option Out Just Yet

There's a reason why Anthony Weiner is out there BIG TIME pushing this idea. And he is a FANTASTIC spokesman/salesman. Weiner is pushing this idea HARD, that's by design.

Don't count it out.

[redqueen]

17. I'm still pushing for it.

Like Overseas says downthread... it's the simplest and most common-sense way to go.

[satya]

46. I wonder if that hasn't been the plan all along; the "compromise" will be ...

to drop the dreaded public option (most of the people opposed to it don't even seem to know what that means) and instead expand and improve Medicare (what I've been wanting all along--some version of HR 676 and Kennedy's 2007 Medicare for All bill). The fools will think they've won -- the "public option" will not be in the final bill.

If the dems had all supported with Medicare for All to begin with, they wouldn't be able to "compromise".

[RaleighNCDUer]

68. I've been wondering that myself, lately. The opposition is so fixated

on the 'public option' AND they are so STUPID about it, it would be easy to just dress it up in different clothes, call it 'expanded Medicare' and get the same, exact thing. And it would pass, because it is not the dreaded 'public option'.

I thought we should push for single payer, and then compromise to a strong public option - but this way we push for the demonized public option, and then compromise to 'expanded Medicare' which is, for all intents and purposes, a limited single payer. The structure in place, it would be easy to get to full single-payer in a few more years.

[joeycola]

59. The administrative structure is in place already=it will save $$.

[redqueen]

65. Yep!

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[joeycola]

67. Thanks. I have read that the single payer-which is Medicare for all has

not been scored by the CBO yet.

[redqueen]

76. The GAO is working on an analysis now... there's also this:

http://www.pnhp.org/facts/single_payer_system_cost.php?page=all

[joeycola]

93. Thanks, I did not know for sure.....Who asked him? In the

past Schumer, Rangle have made promises, but I have not seen the actual request.

And, yes, I try to read PNHP often.

[redqueen]

94. Anthony Weiner.

LOVE that guy. :)

[joeycola]

95. GREAT. thanks.

[Froward69]

7. I sometimes wonder

if president Obama is really letting all the chickenhawks squawk. that is let the fight rage on and on. then just simply expand medicare by dropping the "over 65" requirement. with an expanded budget. to pass with a 51 vote majority.

[Beetwasher]

11. Yup, I'm Pretty Sure That Idea Is Being Considered

He's played this pretty well so far and that wouldn't surprise me.

[mopinko]

8. honestly, i would love to see a veto.

send him a plucked chicken and get it thrown back in your faces. i think that would be a game changer, in spite of the fact that it would drag out the whole process. it needs to be done.

[high density]

9. Big push, right... So why is he still acting so wishy-washy on a public option?

That is what I don't understand. You can't have a big push while at the same time failing to define exactly what you want. It's past time for seeking alternatives, we've seen the Republican proposals and they are interested in keeping the status quo.

[Beetwasher]

12. You Call It Wishy Washy, I Call It Tactical

He's using a bit of sleight of hand, offering his opponents a false choice.

[high density]

15. A false choice for what?

The people he's playing this game with aren't voting for it, no way, no how. And some people who should support him, like me, are starting to wonder why he's continuing to play a game that nobody else on any side is interested in taking part in.

[Beetwasher]

19. WTF Are You Talking About?

Whenever he gives a speech he's talking to everyone, including his opponents. He's looking reasonable and willing to compromise, meanwhile, he will not accept anything except a Public Option, that's the way I see it. You think he'll cave, that's your opinion, but his language tells me he's got goals, one's that can only be reached through a public option and he knows that, but it looks like he's giving his opponents a choice to present him with something else, as long as it meets his goals.

[high density]

24. Well we can disagree on tactics I guess.

Three or four months into the argument now, I see no reason why a White House would be still acting like there is a "false choice" out there that doesn't exist. As you said in your OP, it's time for the "big push," and that can't happen until the White House decides what track is going to take. It can't do a big push on a thought process of, "I like this, but, maybe if you tell me something else, I'll go with that."

[Beetwasher]

29. "I like this, but, maybe if you tell me something else, I'll go with that."

That's not what he's fucking saying. He's saying "What I want NEEDS to accomplish THESE SPECIFIC THINGS and a Public Options does that."

[high density]

34. So I guess we agree, at this point...

Obama should now be saying, "A public option does what I want. I want a public option. I will veto all legislation that does not have a public option." Given where we are today, what more is there to say? You have concluded there is no other choice but the public option. I agree. I'd just like to hear Obama talk realistically instead of playing some unsuccessful mind game on the Republicans.

[Beetwasher]

37. I'm Glad Obama Listens To His Own Counsel

And not yours. So far, his timing has been impeccable.

So, basiclly your argument is "I want Obama to do things MY WAY!! WAHHHH!!!! HE'S NOT LISTENING TO ME!!!!"

[high density]

43. I just want Obama to honestly tell me what he's doing.

If that's too much of a demand then I guess I am a crybaby.

[Beetwasher]

47. I Bet You Want To See Everyone's Cards When You Play Poker

Sucks for you.

He's told you. He wants to ACHIEVE A SPECIFIC SET OF GOALS. He can see one way to get there. The public option. But is willing to consider something else (wink wink) if it achieve's those goals (there's nothing else, get it?).

You don't trust him. Fine, I get that. That's your issue. Use it. You want a public option, so do I. Shout about it. I'm all for making him do it. In fact, that's what Obama almost certainly wants. Be loud about it. Make him do it.

[high density]

64. Of course I get what you're saying.

I just don't want the President "playing poker" with me, or my health care. I don't see the need for the political games since the Republicans have blown their load already and told us that they'll vote no on everything. I am not happy being in the dark on this, and the bulk of America is confused as well. (See the poll in LBN.) No, we can't see the future and I realize that. I just don't understand, with the information I have right now, how Obama's incomplete map can take us between here and the public option plan that he wants. Can't you admit it's a normal reaction to be worried about that? For sure I hope it works, it's just an uncomfortable place to be in right now. It's not about trust, it's about telling us what's going on.

[Beetwasher]

66. Yes, It's Normal To Be Worried

And after the last eight years, your cynicism is probably warranted and healthy. But don't let it color everything you see.

Obama is in a "game" whether he wants to be or not. He has to play the hand he's dealt and swim in the waters he's in. He's proved himself adept at least so far, IMO.

Use your cynicism, use your worry and fight for the public option, now is the time and Obama needs our support. I believe he wants a public option and I will fight for one knowing if we show up, he will come through.

Don't let my brusque manner put you off by the way, I'm just an asshole. I understand why people are worried and cynical, I'm merely pointing out that there are other ways to look at what's going on aside from the cynical one.

[joeycola]

44. He has too many corporate people as his counsel.

[Beetwasher]

49. Blah Blah Blah

n/t

[joeycola]

58. It is hard to have an intelligent conversation with such comments.

[Beetwasher]

60. You Were Engaging In Intelligent Conversation?

Coulda fooled me.

[joeycola]

62. Keep your head in the sand. Bye for now.

[Beetwasher]

63. Yes, Run Away!

n/t

[ladywnch]

83. keep your friends close and your enemies closer

pick the ins corps minds so you know what kind of shit they're going to try and push so you can counter it

[RaleighNCDUer]

74. That's just the thing - he's NOT changing the goal, but what it is called.

So they won't pass a 'Public Option' - we'll let them accept 'expanded Medicare' instead.

It walks like a duck, talks like a duck, looks like a duck - you can call it a penguin, but it's still a duck.

[Beetwasher]

75. Correct, He Can Do This Too

Use bait and switch for OUR side for once.

[RaleighNCDUer]

70. Heads, we win - tails, you lose.

I like it.

[Beetwasher]

72. Correct

If I want something from you, but don't want to demand it, I'd say, "give me something that meets all these requirements", knowing there's only one thing that does. You seemingly have a choice, but you don't because there's only one thing that fits my requirements.

[Overseas]

10. Medicare for all who choose it is that animal.

No cockamamie coops. No ten more years planning and phasing in some new complex public plan.

Medicare for all who choose it. Easy to explain. MIXTURE of public and private elements. Medical services privately delivered-- between you and your doctor. Payments and cost controls publicly administered, accountable to us all. Very popular program-- high patient satisfaction. Infrastructure already in place to expand upon.

If legislators can't resist phasing in then start with 50+ because we are subjected to the strongest age discrimination with regard to premium pricing.

[Enrique]

13. co-ops could fit that description n/t

[Beetwasher]

14. Show Me The Evidence

You can't because they don't.

[high density]

18. Evidence? Since Obama is so nebulous on this issue, it's impossible to know what he's thinking.

I would not have believed you if you told me a year ago that this White House would be so balled up on managing its message on such a large issue.

[Beetwasher]

20. Read The Fucking Posts

The poster said a co-op could work like a public option. I asked for evidence that a co-op can accomplish the same things as a public option. Pay attention.

[high density]

22. I read the fucking post, and like I said, we can't know what Obama is thinking about co-ops

Maybe they do fit his "duck." You and I don't fucking know, because Obama won't fucking tell us.

[Beetwasher]

25. He's Told Me, You're Not Listening

He's laid out exactly what he wants to accomplish and has said right NOW ONLY A PUBLIC OPTION fits the bill. You think he hasn't heard about co-ops yet? Seriously, pay attention. I know, maybe it's difficult with your agenda, but it's right there.

He has said, very clearly, his duck is the public option.

[high density]

27. My agenda?

I am just wondering why Barack Obama, supreme orator, is acting like such a lightweight on this very important piece of HIS plan. You can disagree with me on that, but I am not convinced on his position at all.

[Beetwasher]

30. Your "Lightweight" Is My Master Tactician

And your agenda is clear when you keep using terms like "lightweight".

[high density]

36. Well I donated many hours to Obama, many dollars

I support the man but he's been a disaster when it comes to selling his public option. You can infer I'm a freeper or whatever, but that's not at all where I'm coming from. I just want some honest talk from him on the issue that is frank and succinct. He is not instilling confidence on this issue at all.

[Beetwasher]

38. LOL!

Results are what matters. There's not even a final bill yet, but that doesn't stop some people from complaining about what they fantasize it will look like.

[high density]

41. I used that excuse in my mind for the month of August

My hope for good results diminishes with every passing day of this shitstorm that the White House has left swirling around the health reform issue.

[Beetwasher]

42. Your Sense Of Timing Is Horrendous

n/t

[high density]

45. I think you're way overconfident in your own gauge on the situation

But whatever floats your boat.

[Beetwasher]

48. I Think You Underestimate Obama

And don't trust him. That's your issue.

[Enrique]

28. no, I was NOT saying co-ops can work like a public option

I'm saying that Obama can point to them as an alternative that could satisfy his demands. He could say co-ops "walk like a duck, etc."

If he were committed to the public option, imo he would say so. And imo, he's not, he could settle for co-ops.

[Beetwasher]

31. Bullshit, Coops Have Been Floated For A While

He knows about them and he's STILL specifically saying ONLY a public option meets his goals.

[Enrique]

51. I didn't know that he's insisting on a public option

I thought he said the public option was NOT central to what he is demanding.

If it's true that he's saying he must have a public option, then that changes everything.

[Beetwasher]

54. Your Stuck On Words

He has laid out a specific set of goals that can only be achieved through a "public option". He knows it's the only way to get where he has said he wants to go.

He IS insisting on it, but not beating people over the head w/ his insistence.

[Enrique]

69. so he's not specifically saying only the public option meets his goals

that's what I thought.

[Beetwasher]

71. Yes, He Is, Pay Attention

Good grief. Way to be intentionally obtuse. That's exactly what he's saying. He's challenging his opponents to come up with something that doesn't exist.

[RaleighNCDUer]

77. He didn't say it was not central - he said that it wasn't the ENTIRETY of

healthcare reform.

And he's right. Coming up with a public option but not touching the pharma companies profiteering makes for a FAILED public option. There are a lot of things that are siphoning money out of healthcare that having a public option wouldn't touch, so the public option is not, in his words, the entirety of the debate, but it is still central to reform, and any reform without a public option - or 'expanded medicare', or whatever you wish to call it - will not fly and will not reform.

[Beetwasher]

79. Yup, Making Sure People W/ Existing Conditions Are Covered Is ALSO A HUGE Part Of Reform

Just as an example. A public option is one piece.

People w/ agenda's like to read all sorts of things into everything Obama does or doesn't say.

[MannyGoldstein]

16. And What Would You Expect Him To Say If He Were Fleeing From A Public Option?

There's nothing I want more than to see Obama use his formidable skills to push for a public option - but everything I see is consistent with how a politician would flee from a previous position.

[Beetwasher]

21. Well, You Would See It That Way

That's not surprising in the least.

[MannyGoldstein]

23. Perhaps You Can Answer My Question

What would he do differently if he were actually fleeing from it?

[Beetwasher]

26. What Would He Do If He Had Super Human Powers

And laser beams could shoot from his eyes?

[MannyGoldstein]

33. I'm Guessing That You Don't Like The Answer

Which is why you're being silly.

[Beetwasher]

39. LOL! Your Question Is Idiotic And Deserved Only Ridicule

In fact, you deserve only ridicule.

[MannyGoldstein]

56. I Hope You're On PCP

Because that will wear off in hours. The alternative is unsettling.

[Beetwasher]

57. I'm An Asshole

What's your excuse?

[demwing]

78. I'll try this one -

He MIGHT say something like "Let's take Public Option off the table. I don't like it. It won't work for the goals I've set forth, and here's why (A, B, and C). Now, let's look at the equation differently and see what else we can come up with."

And so far, I've heard NOTHING from Obama that comes even close to that type of message regarding potentially dropping the public option, have you?

[Beetwasher]

80. Don't Bother, That Poster Has A Clear And Obvious Agenda, He's A Hater Through And Through

And there's nothing you can say to him that will change that. He's deserving only of ridicule.

[rudy23]

32. Sounds like he's preparing us to accept something else.

Then convince us it's the same thing.

Still waaaaay too wishy-washy for me to think this is his way of "pushing" for a public option. Sounds like the exact opposite.

I really, really hope I'm wrong.

[Beetwasher]

35. Yeah, I Know Some People Really Want To See It That Way

That cynicism is there own problem as far as I'm concerned.

[rudy23]

50. Like I said, I hope I'm wrong. That cynicsism is a callous formed by disappointment since 2006

about the nature of the Democratic Party as it exists in Washington D.C.

[Beetwasher]

52. Understandable, Use It

Be loud. Make him do it. It's what he wants.

[RaleighNCDUer]

81. And I think that's bass ackwards -

he's willing to accept a name change, then convince the opposition that it is NOT the dreaded 'public option'.

You know how stupid the anti-healthers and teabaggers are.

DEFEAT OBAMA! DEFEAT THE PUBLIC OPTION! DEMAND MEDICARE FOR ALL!

We get what we need, while they think they've won because they defeated a brand name 'public option'.

[rudy23]

87. I would love it if you were right. The presence of Rahm Emanuel and other DLCers in his cabinet

gives me serious doubts.

I do hope you're right, that would be a very sly way to achieve victory. I just haven't seen much from him that indicates he's on our side.

[demwing]

82. Forgetting the word "pushing"

Think of it in chess terms. You don't push your opponent off the board, you slowly take away their pieces, one by one, until the only thing left for them to do is lose or quit.

[RaleighNCDUer]

86. Uh oh.

A chess analogy.

You're in for it now.

[rudy23]

88. The problem is while he's playing chess, the other side is using Ultimate Fighting tactics.

What's the point of playing great chess while the other side beats the shit out of you?

[demwing]

91. They are? Truly?

Well they suck at it, that's all I can say. The birthers and teabaggers drive me crazy, I admit it, but are they really being that effective?

The only problem I see is that there are a bunh of Chicken Little's running around squeeking, and they're not saying that the sky will fall, but that it already has. Nonsense.

Obama has always made some of us worry. I was in that group durring. I wanted him to fight Clinton with more intensity. I thought he was losing it. I was wrong.

And every time the worriers come along and say Obama is blowing it, he has proven them wrong, and been a step.5 ahead.

Did he suddenly lose his mojo? Nope. Same game, different name.

[graywarrior]

40. Tell me about it.

[babylonsister]

53. LOL!

:spray:

[Beetwasher]

55. Ha!

He fits the "bill". A Public Option or the duck gets it!

[graywarrior]

61. If iot can get through the tangled web of republican lies, then we'll be down with our bad selfs.

[OneGrassRoot]

73. ...

:spray:

:rofl:

:applause:

[kjackson227]

84. I'll be calling, emailing, and will donate (as much as I can) for the...

next two weeks. I urge you all to do the same. It's getting down to the wire and we've got to keep fighting!

[treestar]

85. The way the Republic is set up, those Senators have a lot of power

We have to quit thinking of the President as a left wing "decider." We didn't like it when Bush claimed that power; we have to stop complaining at Obama for following the Constitution as to his powers.

If those Senators don't want it and don't vote for it, we don't get it.

[LittleBlue]

89. Can this man refer to something clearly instead of making duck analogies?

Can we get some clear, concrete statement as to what he is looking for?

[scheming daemons]

90. AFLAC!

[joeycola]

92. I sure hope so!!

[tsuki]

96. I am waiting for, "Yes, We Can, and DID."