Durbin: Health care with or w/out GOP

[cal04]

Watch the video
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2009/09/durbin_health_care_with_or_wou.html


Sen. Dick Durbin, No. 2 leader in the Senate and one of President Barack Obama's political mentors, maintains that large-scale health-care reform is achievable this year

"I think we can pass health-care reform,'' Durbin said this morning on NBC News' Meet the Press. "Those who are opposing us, those who are criticizing us, really don't have an alternative....

"Just taking small steps at this point won't stop the increases in health insurance premiums,'' said Durbin, supporting the White House's goal of getting a bill passed by Thanksgiving - see the video above.

"I'm not going to presume any Republican senators at this point,'' said Durbin (D-Ill.), asked about the potential vote count and the possibility of getting 60 in the Senate - see the video below. "We're going to work closely with our members too... We invite Republicans to join us for this historic opportunity. If they do not, we still are going to go forward.''

And, Durbin suggested, the "public option'' which is causing the president so much trouble is not off the table. What about the contention that it cannot pass the Senate?

[Ruby the Liberal]

1. Excellent to hear this from him!

Glad he is not talking about diluting the HELP position. Do it for Teddy, Dick!