Democratic leaders in Congress soften on public option (Reid and Pelosi)

[Better Believe It]

Democratic leaders in Congress soften on public option
CNN
September 10, 2009


WASHINGTON (CNN) – The Democratic leaders of the House and Senate on Thursday signaled their willingness to drop a government-run public health insurance option from a final health-care bill.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, in comments at separate news conferences, said they would support any provision that increases competition and accessibility for health insurance — whether or not it is the public option favored by most Democrats.

Pelosi, who said as recently as Tuesday that a public option was essential for passing a health-care bill in the House, on Thursday used language on the issue similar to Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress the night before.

"This is about a goal. It's not about provisions," Pelosi said, adding that as long as legislation meets goals of "affordability and accessibility and quality … then we will go forward with that bill."

She said she still thinks a public option is the best way to achieve those goals, but when asked if inclusion of a public option was a non-negotiable demand — as her previous statements had indicated — Pelosi ruled out any non-negotiable positions.

Reid was asked about a Senate proposal that calls for non-profit health insurance cooperatives instead of a public option.

"The purpose of a public option is this: to create competition, which is so important, and create quality health care," he said. "… .So if we can come up with a concept of a cooperative that does just that — that is, it makes more competition and it makes the insurance companies honest — yes, I think that would … fill the bill."

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/09/10/democratic-leaders-in-congress-soften-on-public-option/

[The Magistrate]

1. Reid Cannot soften Any More, Sir: It Does Not Get Softer Than Jelly Left In the Sun....

[villager]

2. the final bill is going to be pretty crappy, but it will hopefully unblock much of the

..rest of Obama's agenda, if he's forceful enough to pursue it without "pre-compromise" (Climate change legislation, are you listening?)

If we can embed a *start* to healthcare reform in the public consciousness, hopefully it can be built upon, later.

Again, if the Democrats are willing to stop running from their various, mid-range "successes...."

[DJ13]

3. Heres my response to those sellouts

[FrenchieCat]

5. Is that finger to help gain some health care reforms?

cause unfortunately, I don't think it will get us anything but a fist in our face and nothing at all done. :shrug:

[DJ13]

6. No, Im just willing to give them a proctology exam

They have a public option for themselves, so they can afford it.

[FrenchieCat]

13. No they don't. They go on an exchange and select the plan they want.....

but their insurance plans are with private insurances.

[bigwillq]

8. Come on, Frenchie.

You've let out your aggression here too, and it didn't gain any kind of health care reform. Don't be a hypocrite.

[FrenchieCat]

9. Sure, sure.....

But note that I'm on my way to getting health care reform....although it won't be exactly what I had envisioned.....but I'll make do.

If I can get on some exchange and pool with other self employed individuals,
I might be able to save about 2/3 of what I'm paying now.
That makes a difference in my life.

[bigwillq]

11. I don't understand what you mean by your first line.

:shrug:

And don't judge. Possibly, that DUer is helping out in other ways towards other issues that are important.

[FrenchieCat]

12. I mean I agree........Poster can give the finger if he/she wants.

YOu are correct.

[bigwillq]

15. About the "note" part

Not being snarky here. Just was wondering if you were working on something.

[Better Believe It]

14. I wish you were right.

"If I can get on some exchange and pool with other self employed individuals,
I might be able to save about 2/3 of what I'm paying now."

I wish that was true. But why do you think that will happen? Did you read the bills, a study of the bills, talk to someone in Congress, read an article that indicates big savings? Or is it just a hope for change?

[FrenchieCat]

17. folks insured through their employers pay 2/3 less than I do, as I am self employed.

that's the whole reason that the Public OP was originally for the Self employed, small business with 25 employees or less, and low income Americans.

[Riverman]

7. Kick That too! Bastards

[polichick]

4. Could mean that the blue dogs had a good meeting with the prez this morning. nt

[joeycola]

10. Damm, what a bunch of whimps.

[debbierlus]

16. It's like they think the unrecommend button has some magic power to cancel out reality

Just keep digging their heads deeper in the sand.