Patricia Murphy
Columnist
Moments before Harry Reid went to the microphones Tuesday to discuss his meeting with Democratic senators about his version of the public insurance option, a Capitol Hill newspaper launched a breaking news update into the in-boxes of reporters, senators and staff throughout the Capitol:
"Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) says he will join a Republican filibuster against the Senate Democrats' health care reform bill unless the public option is removed" ...
Once in front of the assembled reporters, Reid quickly took a question about Lieberman. "I have the greatest confidence in Joe Lieberman's ability as a legislator," Reid said. "And he will work with us when this gets on the floor, and I'm sure he'll have some interesting things to do in the way of an amendment. But Joe Lieberman is the least of Harry Reid's problems" ...
First, he knew that Lieberman would not filibuster debate on the health care bill, as the e-mail blast suggested. Reid had already spoken with Lieberman, who told the majority leader he wanted to debate the bill, but would oppose a measure with a public option, even one that gives states the flexibility to opt-out ...
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/10/27/harry-reid-joe-lieberman-is-the-least-of-harry-reids-problem/