Obama Demands: The Bill I Sign Must Include Public Option-from July 20

[joeycola]

Now is the time to hold his feet to the fire!!


http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/07/obama-demands-the-bill-i-sign-must-include-public-option.php?ref=fpa


Obama Demands: The Bill I Sign Must Include Public Option
By Brian Beutler - July 20, 2009, 10:16AM

While we're talking health care reform: In his weekly radio address on Saturday, President Obama did what he's refused to do all along--he said the public option isn't an option at all.

ny plan I sign must include an insurance exchange: a one-stop shopping marketplace where you can compare the benefits, cost and track records of a variety of plans - including a public option to increase competition and keep insurance companies honest - and choose what's best for your family.

That's a first. In the recent past, the White House has only demanded that health care reform expand and improve coverage while lowering costs. But Blue Dogs and conservative Senate Democrats have been raising noises about the public option, while citing concerns that the reform proposals on the table won't cut costs. And with the debate reaching its crescendo, Obama's letting them know they can't have it both ways..................

[azmouse]

1. It's time to throw the 'feet to the fire' phrase under the bus.

It's incredibly overused.

[joeycola]

2. well, use whatever phase you want. But hope it is for him to keep his promise.

[joeycola]

3. btw--thanks for the bump.

[jenmito]

4. Unfortunately, he's not a king. If the Congress doesn't have enough votes for it to pass,

no matter how much he wants it, he'll have to accept whatever WILL pass (unless you think he should just veto a bill without a "robust public option" even if it has other things in it which will help all Americans.

But FYI, Melody Barnes JUST said, "The President has always said that he believes in competition and he believes in a choice for the American people. And he thinks that the Public option is a critical tool, and important tool, in achieving those kinds of goals..."

[joeycola]

6. I am not going to defend a defeatist attitude by the WH.

[jenmito]

7. Nobody's asking you to. He clearly WANTS a public option as he has said for a long time...

if he can't get it from this Congress due to the large number of Blue Dogs, he can't. I'm sure he's trying his best TO get it, though.

[joeycola]

9. I do not think he is trying very hard to get a strong public option.

[jenmito]

11. Why-because he didn't say he'd veto a bill without it?

[joeycola]

13. He is just not as strong as he could--and should be.

[Captain Hilts]

5. The term 'public option' covers a LOT of ground. I'm glad he's mentioned it yesterday though. nt

[daa]

8. Don't worry

they will come back after the mid-terms and pass a robust public plan. Now if they can't do it in the majority, how the hell will they do it as the minority party?

[joeycola]

10. That is my fear--the incremental approach going nowhere. And come

after the midterms, it will go nowhere but downhill.

[Teaser]

12. "Any plan I sign must include an insurance exchange"

the public option is an add on at the end. "must" does not link directly to it.

[joeycola]

14. I wondered also.