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If the "trigger" seems more palatable to liberals--because it would, theoretically, result in a public option somewhere down the line if market goals aren't met--it's not: in an
interview Thursday, Woolsey called the plan "phony"--while specifying that she doesn't think its main proponent, Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) is phony herself--and voiced skepticism that such a trigger would ever actually get pulled.
If it comes down to a "trigger" or nothing, Woolsey said she'd choose nothing.
Liberals are looking tough, but we won't know if they're truly willing to play slash-and-burn hardball with their new president until that moment arrives...if the Senate can deliver such a moment at all.
The Progressive Caucus has typically taken a backseat to its conservative counterpart in the party, the Blue Dog Coalition, in terms of media coverage and ability to instill fear, as the latter has been able to gum up the works with its more-conservative-than-Pelosi stances on spending. By some, the progressives aren't taken as seriously.
But now the caucus is baring its teeth. And if liberals stand by their threat, they could shut down health reform entirely.
moreExcellent.