He just stated to wimp out - saying "those on the Left"

[Peregrine Took]

implying "they" were extremists.

[foo_bar]

1. fool of a Took!

Sorry, I always wanted to say that.

[Peregrine Took]

5. No offense intended, but pogue mahone.

He is selling us out.

[d_b]

2. but hey

he took a swipe at the right too!. you have to be fair and balanced because we all know left=right

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. He did the same with the right

he is going firmly to the center... which is right in the US

[Luminous Animal]

13. Explain what part of his proposal goes firmly to the center.

Every single poll shows majority support for all citizens to have the choice of a public option. Obama's proposal seems to only allow the uninsured to buy insurance. And how can a system be self-supporting when it is only offered to members who can't afford to buy the product in the first place?

[LisaM]

4. I noticed that too, and it really bugged me.

Oh well.

[Peregrine Took]

7. Of course, because you are intelligent.

What will the premiums be on this wonderful coverage, I wonder?

[Peregrine Took]

8. What will it cost?

[Individualist]

6. DLC does consider the left extremists.

:puke:

[slipslidingaway]

9. "...the little single payer advocates" :( n/t

[Luminous Animal]

10. From Slinkerwink at DKos

The President's message regarding the public option:

"Now, I have no interest in putting insurance companies out of business. They provide a legitimate service, and employ a lot of our friends and neighbors. I just want to hold them accountable. The insurance reforms that I’ve already mentioned would do just that. But an additional step we can take to keep insurance companies honest is by making a not-for-profit public option available in the insurance exchange. Let me be clear – it would only be an option for those who don’t have insurance. No one would be forced to choose it, and it would not impact those of you who already have insurance. In fact, based on Congressional Budget Office estimates, we believe that less than 5% of Americans would sign up.

Despite all this, the insurance companies and their allies don’t like this idea. They argue that these private companies can’t fairly compete with the government. And they’d be right if taxpayers were subsidizing this public insurance option. But they won’t be. I have insisted that like any private insurance company, the public insurance option would have to be self-sufficient and rely on the premiums it collects. But by avoiding some of the overhead that gets eaten up at private companies by profits, excessive administrative costs and executive salaries, it could provide a good deal for consumers. It would also keep pressure on private insurers to keep their policies affordable and treat their customers better, the same way public colleges and universities provide additional choice and competition to students without in any way inhibiting a vibrant system of private colleges and universities.

It’s worth noting that a strong majority of Americans still favor a public insurance option of the sort I’ve proposed tonight. But its impact shouldn’t be exaggerated – by the left, the right, or the media. It is only one part of my plan, and should not be used as a handy excuse for the usual Washington ideological battles. To my progressive friends, I would remind you that for decades, the driving idea behind reform has been to end insurance company abuses and make coverage affordable for those without it. The public option is only a means to that end – and we should remain open to other ideas that accomplish our ultimate goal. And to my Republican friends, I say that rather than making wild claims about a government takeover of health care, we should work together to address any legitimate concerns you may have.

For example, some have suggested that that the public option go into effect only in those markets where insurance companies are not providing affordable policies. Others propose a co-op or another non-profit entity to administer the plan. These are all constructive ideas worth exploring. But I will not back down on the basic principle that if Americans can’t find affordable coverage, we will provide you with a choice. And I will make sure that no government bureaucrat or insurance company bureaucrat gets between you and the care that you need."

[Luminous Animal]

11. How in the hell

would an option ONLY available to those who are uninsured (and who, seemingly, the insurance industry doesn't give a fig about) going to keep the insurance companies honest.

For instance, I have insurance through my employer but I pay 100% out of pocket and it is expensive. It costs me $7000 a year just for me. It seems, according to Obama's outline, if the public option were cheaper, I would not be allowed to purchase it. And according to Obama, my insurance company would know that signing up for the public option is not an option for me so how would this be a check on the insurance companies?

[slipslidingaway]

14. Several people have been asking the same questions since the

CBO estimates showed that relatively few people would be enrolled in the PO.

:shrug:

The response has usually been to talk about naysayers, whiners etc.

[scentopine]

12. To democratic leadership, we are "extremists" like Rush et al

Tired of Pelosi liberals throwing us under the bus. Tired of republicans throwing us under the bus. Jesus wasn't it enough that Enron, S&L Iraq, Wall Street melt down on and on - why the fuck do we not deserve representation?

If you are worried, you should be. This is going to rape us and is just another public option for corporations and only corporations.

We need another party for real reform. Insurance companies should be out of business. They are parasites.

[redqueen]

15. I didn't interpret it that way at all... he was simply addressing both sides.

Seems entirely reasonable to me to do so.

[Odin2005]

16. Oh quit making sense!

People are seeing perceived "slights" against us that don't exist. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.