DEMS 'EMBOLDENED'?.... (on health care public option)

[ProSense]

DEMS 'EMBOLDENED'?....

CBS News runs a headline on this AP piece about the health care debate that reform supporters will probably find encouraging*: "Democrats May Unite On Public Health Plan." The story doesn't exactly reflect that, but it's nevertheless encouraging to see at least one Democratic senator step up his game.

Emboldened by polls that show public backing for a government health insurance plan, Democrats are moving to make it a politically defining issue in the debate over the future of medical care.

Behind-the-scenes attempts to get a deal with Republicans on nonprofit co-ops as an alternative to a public plan have led only to frustration, complains a key Democrat. He and his colleagues may have to go it alone, said Sen. Chuck Schumer.

The co-ops were seen as perhaps the last hope for compromise on a contentious issue that threatens any remaining prospects of bipartisan support for President Obama's sweeping plan to remake the health care system.

Schumer has not always been a consistent progressive champion, but by all appearances, he's showing some real leadership on this issue right now. To his credit, Schumer even rejected the co-op proposal gaining steam among Republican and "centrist" Democrats: "I don't think I could say with a straight face that this (co-op proposal) is at all close to a nationwide public option. Right now, this co-op idea doesn't come close to satisfying anyone who wants a public plan."

What's more, the recent polls are giving Schumer a hand in pressing his colleagues: "The polling data backs up our subjective view that to make health care reform work, you need a public option."

It leads to a test for the Senate caucus: back an effective plan that enjoys public support, or pursue an inferior bipartisan alternative.

more

[sandnsea]

1. Apparently the people matter

Does that mean the phone calls and letters for the public option will increase?

[MarjorieG]

2. Hope so, but also may be plan to show bi-partisanship and give everyone creds for trying.

We'll see how much they can buck pating back the insurance campaign dollars. Going at 51 is not ideal and piecemeal, but better than nothing.

Curious if Obama's strong pitch to the country, how we pay for it, comparing to how other deficits happened, how this is almost paid for, how high the tax rates under Reagan....we have ammo.

[ProSense]

5. What, and destroy

the fun of shouting about the sellout Dems?

[martymar64]

19. If they don't sellout then there's no need to shout

Then there will be need to cheer.

[Oregone]

7. No, the polls probably matter

:(

And if the polling came out different, they would probably of told people to screw off and not even consider the right thing.

So I don't think its "the people" they are concerned about rather than their re-election.

[sisters6]

15. embolded by one poll? geesh!!

[niceypoo]

16. Apparently polls matter

[sandnsea]

17. Because dogs and kitties answer the phone

:crazy:

[Zynx]

18. Polls are a statistical reflection of popular will.

Completely ignoring them is unwise.

[DJ13]

3. Emboldened to try even harder to appease the Republicans

I'll believe the reverse when I finally see them get some balls.

[ProSense]

4. Yes, we can have it both ways. n/t

[downtownexpress]

6. Who's emboldened? Schumer and who else?

i'd like to know.

[Oregone]

8. Ive seen few emboldened politicians on this issue

Most are still cowering in the shadows from Single-Payer. Now they have to figure out how to make their campaign donors AND constituents BOTH happy, two groups with conflicting interests.

[quidam56]

9. Folks, WE are the change WE voted for in November,

keep the momentum going, we must have health care reform this year, 72 % chance we can change health care. Call your congressional reps and senators !!! http://www.wisecountyissues.com/?p=62 After seeing what is deemed, defended and supported in TN & VA as acceptable standards of health care, I strongly support HR676.

[Cha]

10. Rec'd~ "Emboldened" is

is good.

[TomCADem]

11. A Politician Who Listens To Voting Constituents Is "Emboldened"?

It seems like the media has some trouble accepting the notion that politicians should be accountable to the voting public. Indeed, the Democrats really need to start using the healthcare issue to underscore just how out of touch Republicans are, and how the GOP's true constituents are insurance companies, not voters.

[kath]

14. +10!

[niceypoo]

12. In the end.....

...we will get a limp, watered down, 'token' bill with no teeth, but with 'bi partisan support' AKA 4 or 5 republicans will write the bill, but not vote for it..

Citizens be damned, there are health care industry political doners to keep happy!

[HughMoran]

13. Of course they'll have a public option

The support for it is huge.