Possible motive for the Baucus bill?

[RandySF]

Is it possible that Baucusput that POS health care plan together just to get something through the Finance Committee and reconciliation with the HELP Committee bill?

[regnaD kciN]

1. It's possible...and even if it wasn't his intention...

...it could be that this is the only way to get health care in general out of the committee quicksand pits and to a place where a bill that does have a public option and employer mandates can be brought to the floor.

But that's putting a lot of faith in the reconciliation process, if you ask me. What happens if the bill that comes out of the Senate (and House-Senate) process winds up resembling what we're hearing will come from the Finance Committee a lot more than the HELP committee and/or the House proposals?

Personally, I don't want to take that chance...which is why we need to put pressure on the Finance Committee members to make sure that all bills have the public option, etc., and/or make it clear to our non-Finance Committee Congresscritters that approving a bill like that will spell their doom among the people they claim to represent.

[lumberjack_jeff]

3. Here's why I'm optimistic

The house is clear that they want employer mandates and a public option
The president is clear he wants employer mandates and a public option
The senate leadership is clear, and so is the HELP bill

The finance committee needed to produce something to allow the ball to be advanced.

Reid and Pelosi are going to select the people who will do the reconciliation. There will be a lot of pressure on democrats, no matter how "moderate", and no matter how opposed to something in the bill, to not participate in a Republican filibuster.

[lumberjack_jeff]

2. I think Baucus was pressured to get something... anything out of committee.

Given the context, the fact that it's a piece of crap doesn't cause me great panic.

[Horse with no Name]

4. There is one thing that motivates blahkus

and that is money lining HIS pockets.
He is worthless to us as Democrats.
Don't even THINK that you or I had anything to do with any decision he makes.
His vote is sponsored by the lobbyists.