37 Democratic Senators support a public option for health care reform

[ProSense]

Where Congress Stands

They're on record. This is why it's important to push for the strongest public option.

[AtomicKitten]

1. I am appalled there are only 37. F*&$% Blue Dogs!!!

[quantass]

21. Good to have those 37 on record because then it will be sure to grow ...nt

[Thrill]

2. Only 37 of 59? Thats a damn shame

[ProSense]

3. Some haven't committed, but that doesn't mean they will not. Only one Democrat opposes it:

Mary Landrieu

[Zodiak]

7. Typical.

She's useless to everyone but Republicans.

[karynnj]

31. Actually the 37 includes Snowe

Hopefully some of the "don't knows" will move.

[vaberella]

40. She'll be a Dem soon enough. n/t

[Laelth]

46. Exactly. Only 36 D Senators support a public option. Pathetic. n/t

:dem:

-Laelth

[sandnsea]

4. No Wyden

As Oregon activists continue to focus on single payer. *sigh*

[Thrill]

5. He won't support anything but his crappy bill with Repuke Bennett

[sandnsea]

12. Not True

“With regard to a national public option, Senator Wyden has made clear that he is not wed to the approach he put forward in 2006 and is open to a national public option on Day One -- not requiring the Snowe "trigger" -- if it is accompanied by real reform that is responsibly and sustainably financed.”

http://wyden.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=314157&

[quiller4]

45. That is not true. He has said he will support the Democratic

bill that emerges whether or not it encompasses his own proposal.

[quakerboy]

13. His office seemed so supprised to hear from me

I said I really wanted him to support single payer, or at least a strong public option, and I got "Senator Wydens bill is very close to that".

Close is not there, and I made that politely clear, at which point I was asked my zip and shooed off the line.

[sandnsea]

15. You're right, it's not there

Not anywhere near there.

But at least somebody called about more than single payer so that's a good thing. But I still think it would be better if they thought there was a whole group organized outside of single payer, focused solely on the public option.

[quakerboy]

18. Im getting fed up with this fast

The more I read about details of the plan being "worked out" the more my blood boils. As I understand what I read today, They want to force me to buy coverage, have decided I am not destitute enough to be offered any assistance, and have decided not to require the insurer to fully cover me. I don't know what part if any Senator Wyden is playing in that discussion, but he abets it by not insisting on single payer or even a public option

I would pay a significant portion of my income, money that is already tight, because it was my share of getting us health care. I would pay a small portion of my income, knowing that i was helping by being a young person in the risk pool for a public option. But paying more for less, and doing it just to enrich the insurers, that just pisses me off royally.

We got rid of Smith. I would never have thought it last year, but do we need to get rid of Wyden next?

[sandnsea]

22. It's very frustrating

The whole thing. We just passed two health care bills, one taxes health benefits in order to extend the subsidized insurance program. The same people in my town who are beating the hell out of Obama for those two specific things, are cheering the state for the great new health care bill. It's Crazy.

Don't forget Wyden voted for the Medicare bill and that lousy Healthy Forests bill. It was one thing to say "we have to have something" at the time; but he can't get away with that now.

The current plan will offer subsidies up to 300% of poverty, $66,000 for a family of 4, so not everybody is left out of assistance. I haven't see anything about the 150% of poverty for medicaid.

Isn't it really stupid how mcuh they're all fighting when the actual detail aren't even being talked about, like how much of a subsidy, how much deductible, what's in the required plan, etc.

Obama probably should have started talking about coverage and delivery first, and gotten people to agree on that; then talked about the means of purchasing it.

[davidpdx]

23. I have to admit I'm so out of the loop, I didn't know Wyden was not on board

This troubles me greatly. I'm overseas and maybe have made assumptions (wrongly might I add) that since we have two D's now it wasn't necessary to put as much pressure on them. It is harder for me to keep up with what is going on and exactly who is doing what even with the internet and CNN. Maybe I don't pay as much as attention as I should (again my fault). I have been on the Oregon for Obama listserves and they have been VERY active the past 24 hours and people are PISSED! Though I have to admit sometimes I get annoyed at the emails that turn in to mini chatroom discussions, I'm glad in this case people are letting me know what's going on.

I have a internet telephone service, so I will start using that to bug Wyden's office. I know this doesn't directly affect me since I get my healthcare from my employer over here, but I still very much care about the issue.

[quakerboy]

26. hopefully helpfull info

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=174x6747

I try to always call the local offices, as they don't seem to get quite as slammed with calls, and are more likely to listen. In my brief experience.

[davidpdx]

42. Thanks for the tip

I can call either since it's LONG distance, but I'll try the local one if it's easier to get through to.

[quakerboy]

43. Check the websites

both have multiple oregon offices. The numbers I listed were just the closest to me, there may be one that's a local call for you.

[ProSense]

39. I expect him to support it. n/t

[quakerboy]

44. Hope

I was so annoyed enough by my call a few days ago, that I decided to call back. I asked a few questions, and this time the phone answerer stated that Senator Wyden "is willing to support a public option if that is what the senate decides to do".

I still think its a cop out and I said so, but this seems more hopefull than the settled we have a plan and its "close" answer that I got the first time. I hope that this is an indication that they are hearing from people. I hope that this means I have reason to hope.

I did look to the Presidents page, and I was heartened to see that he is still saying that he expects a public option.

So, I feel slightly more hopeful than yesterday, and I hope that I will see us moving in the right direction as people decide to talk to their representation and demand real reform.

[Zodiak]

6. Which basically means it is not going to happen.

Congress, including a great deal of Democrats, are hopelessly out of touch with Americans and feeding on the corporate trough. This issue is a prime example of the level of corruption our government has nurtured.

With a VAST majority of America supporting a public option at the very least, this majority of Senators not named are steadfastly holding out for their sugar-daddies in the heath insurance industry.

A public option is very unlikely to happen, now.....and the very fact that we find ourselves in this sorry state is testament to the political weakness of our party. They are fucking pathetic. Democrats, if you cannot push the overwhelming will of millions of Americans through Congress and save thousands of lives with the Presidency and both houses of Congress, then you are useless as a party.

We need to seriously clean house. I'm tired of corporate pigs masquerading as members of the People's party. Let's replace them with populists and true moderates (you know, the ones that think for themselves instead of their sugar-daddies) and stop the endless dithering.

[ProSense]

9. That's not true. Not everyone is going to jump up and announce their position

especially not the wafflers.

The list in the OP may need to be updated soon, a Republican appears open to a public option

[DrToast]

11. Right...a lot of people are waiting to see what happens

The good news that no movement to oppose the public plan has emerged with the Dems. So I think enough for those uncommitted can be convinced.

Wow...I can't believe a Republican came out for it.

[Zodiak]

17. No movement eh?

Did you see the article today on the unnamed conservadems meeting with the Republicans to oppose the public option? Are you aware of Baucus and Schumer's open admissions of weakening the public option? How about the blue dogs and their wonderful co-op idea that balkanizes the public option?

There are plenty of movements within the Democratic party to derail the public option. Just because many of these Senators are too cowardly to affix their names to opposing it yet doesn't mean their hostility towards a public option is not there. The tea leaves are clear.

We have about 20 Democrats that cannot be trusted, and we should place neither faith nor hope in them doing the right thing. Instead we should introduce them to the political sword of Damocles and force them to do the right thing.

[quakerboy]

19. If we force the issue

it can end up with a vote. And that vote will show the people that Democrats are there to fight for them, even if we lose. Even if some of our own turn on us.

If we do not, it looks like the entire Democratic party stands in solidarity with the Republicans in obstructing real health care reform. Plus the attempts to have a second best "mandated insurance" hand them "they will take your money" arguments that are more justified than normal. And that's always been their winningest argument with the larger public, aside from "fear war fear". Why give them that?

So I agree with you. Drop the hammer and fight this out to the end.

[Zodiak]

14. Yes....and I can reasonably predict the script of the outcome beforehand.

We have seen this kind of kabuki theater before, so it is really hard to watch this script for the 100th time and expect differently.

The hold-outs, wafflers (whatever) will break both ways, but always with just enough votes (maybe by three or so) to completely derail the public option. This, of course, minimizes the damage to certain senators that need their liberal support in their districts (they get to vote yes once the final vote count is known by the whip) AND allow the business interests that pad their pockets to win in the end. The conservadems, especially those not up for re-election will break to the Republicans.

And the American people lose. And DUers and other activists will get our little DNC letters asking us for money to elect more Democrats. And ultimately we will hold no one accountable.

That's the script I think will be followed.

Here's the rest....

Democrats lose the enthusiasm and support of many members of their traditional base and "surprisingly" lose seats in congress or worse yet, the Presidency. And of course, ironically it will ALL be the fault of those disloyal liberals for not being reasonable.

I'm tired of this script...anyone else?

[quakerboy]

16. +1

Apparently the do or die idea has not sunk in to them.

[fadedrose]

8. My Senators are Dems (Stabinow & Levin) and..

I suggested to them on the form that all supporters get together and try to do something with the non-supporting Dems like maybe waterboarding them.....

[donco]

10. This is the reason for the prolong Franken Colman standoff. nt

[Blue_Tires]

24. exactly

[quantass]

20. Does it only need 52 Votes (via Reconcil.) to pass?

since it is clear the 60 vote majority is impossible and a fillibuster is sure to come

[karynnj]

28. I think it is just 50

[Mass]

25. How many of those are ready to drop it for a 60 vote bill?

Sorry, but answering a DFA question is NOT the same thing as standing strongly for a public option. Many of these 37 are ready to drop the public option if convenient and do not make it a question of principle. They will not vote against it if it comes to a vote, but will not fight for it to be included. (Olympia Snowe has already said as much, for example).

The pledge to ask is "I will not support a bill that does not include a strong public option".

Not to speak of the 22 who did not answer or answered NO.

[karynnj]

32. I think that most would have to say "no" to the pledge you wrote

Maybe if it were something like;
"I will do all I can to support a bill with a strong public option" it would be stronger than the DFA question, but would not commit them to voting no on a bill without it. If that bill was a substantial improvement on the current situation, I think that most Senators would be reluctant to vote against it on the hope that something better will then be voted on.

The problem with my question is that it is not measurable - there is no way to know if they actually did.

[Mass]

35. I know they cannot take it in these words, but I still would want them out

making clear they consider it essential, and fight publicly for it. I do not think than answering DFA they support it is hardly adequate, particularly when the other forces are out there lying to people on what a public option means, or simply worrying if insurance companies would still be profitable after a public option. May be it is time for these 37 senators to care whether we can have a decent healthcare FOR ALL in this country, and it will not happen without a public option.

[JimWis]

27. Both my Senators and my Representative are on the list as Yes.

That is good to know. I saw Russ Feingold on the floor yesterday morning stating that he is "strongly in favor of a public plan". He said some other things in favor and I heard one line that almost sounded like something I had emailed him. He does listen to his people. I know he had a survey sent out to all his constituents regarding health reform. So keep after them, it does work.

[hileeopnyn8d]

29. interesting

Rep Dennis Kucinich D OH-10
Supports the choice of public Healthcare option? Don't know


There are way too many "don't knows"

[karynnj]

30. Thank you - and thank Howard Dean for this nice summary

We need 13 more!!!

[PassingFair]

33. The "Don't Know's" are in the lead.

Farking DLC BASTARDS WAITING
to see how many of them have
to fall on their swords for
the insurance money.

If Mark Warner is YOUR senator,
CALL HIM and tell him to get
off the FENCE NOW.

[Vinca]

34. I'm pleasantly surprised - my Dem. senator is on the list.

I can't believe there are only 37. Apparently Republicans don't need to fret about winning a majority anymore with our Blue Dogs on board.

[WI_DEM]

36. So in other words it's far short of any number to pass.

[Better Believe It]

37. Good. Now they need to go beyond just making the record!

They need to actually fight for the public option.

Any news you can post, along with the news links, on what these 37 Senators are doing to fight for the public option would be greatly appreciated.

I get the impression that most seem to be sitting on their thumbs letting Senate opponents of the public option lead the debate and set the framework of the discussion.

[politicasista]

38. Kick

:kick:

[JerseygirlCT]

41. No surprise only one of my senators

And I wonder - Snowe is a yes, but Collins isn't listed. I would think she could be brought around...