Ed Schultz:If there's no public option I won't support Obama in the next election

[bigdarryl]

WOW!!! he's on fire about the democrats caving in on the public option.

[Joanne98]

1. K&R

[redqueen]

2. He's not the only one.

There's absolutely no excuse not to do at least a public option.

[niceypoo]

66. This is the one issue that really affects my life

...more than any other. We have health insurance. In 2000, it was good insurance. Every year since Bush came in, the plan has gotten more and more expensive with less and less benefits. Starting next year, our insurance will be reduced to an empty shell that covers almost nothing at all. The insurance is through my wifes work and they just can't afford the ever more expensive premiums any longer.

In 9 years, the cost of our insurance has doubled while the benefits have been cut in half.

They keep talking about the 40 million without insurance. Those of us with insurance are getting screwed even worse.

If they don't pass a public option, we are basically screwed.

[defendandprotect]

96. Also, consider that in the 8 years Bush was president, you dollar is worth about half now . . . !!!

"Politics effects your life every moment of your life" --

and remember, no matter the titles they're all politicians!!!

[DaLittle Kitty]

77. Beat Me To It! Yeah The Dems Will Stay HOME BIGTIME If Obama Plays "safe!"

Mr. President are you trying to win votes or Lobbyist campaign CHECKS?

YOU BETTER DAMN WELL FIGURE IT OUT PRETTY QUICK CAUSE IF YOU COME UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THISS ISSUE YOU AND US ARE ALL FU*KED!

[Wapsie B]

109. That's right.

We've got control of the process now. There is no reason at all to sit there and tap-dance around the gop, not wanting to upset anyone. It's time to deliver the goods.

[masuki bance]

3. He needs to read the rules that were posted

if he wants to post here.

[Jim Sagle]

5. I suspect he ain't got time nor inclination to post here.

[Cha]

8. No, those are for

you.

[vaberella]

47. +1000. n/t

[villager]

4. His thinking has "evolved," eh? Just like the White House's!

n/t

[Fire1]

23. Evolved for the better, I'd say. He's acknowledging the

need for single payer.

[zulchzulu]

6. Ed Schultz isalways saying how single-issue voters suck...

...so I guess that means...

[niceypoo]

67. Ever heard the phrase....

... "The straw that broke the camels back?"

[AtomicKitten]

7. Ed is such a fiery redhead! I share his passion on the public option, but threats are hyperbole.

It is our duty as citizens to lobby D.C. hard.

[mkultra]

123. i agree, it makes him look like a fool.

[valerief]

9. Yep, No Public, Nobama. nt

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

10. I'm so heartbroken over Obama that I cannot emotionally deal with this right now.

He has disappointed me on so many things.

[Name removed]

13. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Romulox]

17. You know what I hate? Unintentional irony! nt

[ChiciB1]

115. Oh, We Can ALL Get One Of Those Chia Pets!!! I KNOW What I Would do With Mine

if Obama & the Democrats CAVE on this one!! And PLEASE, those of you who prefer NO complaints or alter facts about Obama, at least try to understand the REALITY of Health Insurance and how VERY VERY important some GOOD Plan is passed!

No, fiddling, finagling or f--king around the edges and trying to complicate or inject "words" that make it sound PALATABLE! You know, the "fine print" stuff that in the end just let's "we the people" end up SCREWED AGAIN!!!!

[HopeOverFear]

14. Dupe self delete

Stupid iPod lol

[MarjorieG]

49. Sorry, but so much regulation has been removed by Congress. Left a real judicial an military mess.

[salguine]

89. You realize you're opening yourself up to accusations of wanting a pony. (I feel ya, Stalwart)

[mkultra]

124. two ponies coming right up.

[Blue_Roses]

11. I like Ed, but come on...

the, "I'm taking my ball and going home," approach won't solve anything. Good grief...grow up Ed and talk about this with your brains and not your emotions:eyes:

[spiritual_gunfighter]

45. Ed is emotional and says a lot of over the top things

but on this I actually believe him. Healthcare is his passion right now and he is sick of being disappointed by the Dems.

[salguine]

90. I agree with Ed on this one.

[JDPriestly]

85. Sometimes all you can do is take your ball and go home and sit out the game

until the lead players finally realize they have to change the rules.

Obama is not communicating well to the American people on his plans for health care. He needs to explain to people what he proposes and tell us approximately what it will cost -- and how much it will save. I realize that he can't predict the exact numbers, but he could explain how the tax money and private money now being paid for insurance would figure into the mix. What would the load be on those now paying for their own insurance? How can Obama's plan reduce the cost of insurance for everyone?

[Greyhound]

92. That's the problem isn't it? We've done that and they just won't learn.

It took Ross Perot to put Bubba in the Whitehouse after 12 years of screwing up, then he stabbed us in the back and we got 8 years of drooling incompetence and evil, and the very same assholes are now running around telling us that they don't need us.

How does that go again, "The Party of no ideas"?

[tomm2thumbs]

12. K&R - the truth wins - keep holding to the truth

Just because there are credit unions doesn't mean banks go out of business - but it does allow people an option. The public option would serve as a choice for folks and is necessary. This doomsday story being pushed by medical industry reps is all lard and no meat. And quite disgusting actually.

[SnoopDog]

15. It's about time we all stand up for what we want...

And I agree with Ed -

If we do not get a public option/hr676 then I will not vote for Obama or Reid (my senator) in the next election. Period.

The health insurance companies have their lobbyists and all the bribe money. All we have is our vote.

I am holding them directly responsible - implement a real health care system or they do not get my vote.

[zulchzulu]

16. OK... so who would Ed vote for?

:rofl:

Give me a break. Palin? McCain? Romney? Nader?

[HopeOverFear]

18. Why, a Republican, of course!

They're clearly in support of a public option.

:sarcasm:

[JDPriestly]

87. There are two issues that are important enough to me that if there is

not sufficient progress made on them, I will stay home. The first is the torture investigations and possibly prosecutions. The second is public option or single payer healthcare. I don't think we can grow our manufacturing sector or our clean energy industries unless we take care of the healthcare issue.

[Dragonfli]

99. Thye Centrist threat "we can vote against our people because they have no where else to go"

Fuck them lets make Republicans happy!
-------------------------------------
That bullshit threat has to be called sooner or later Chump.
Some Democrats expect Democrats to earn the vote!

[LeFleur1]

113. For Whom Would You Cast Your Vote?

This question always comes up if someone offers the opinion that Obama can kiss a two term presidency goodbye if he acts like a Republican.

See...it really doesn't matter who is president if they advocate policies that are Republican. That's what people are complaining about. It's true. The only thing we have is our vote, and our time to campaign. They are two very powerful things. Let's use them. Maybe it's time the Democrats learned a hard lesson.
It's either "mostly" our way or the highway because it doesn't matter if a person runs on the democratic ticket, then acts like a Republican when in office, or runs on the Republican ticket and acts like a Republican in office. Sameo sameo.
If we want the power we have to take it. Being a Democrat means pushing and standing for Democratic ideas and policies.

[NorthCarolina]

127. Well, if Democrats can learn to stop letting

the MSM pick their "acceptable" candidates for them, we might have better outcomes. I personally would have much preferred Kucinich to Obama. Had he (Kucinich) been elected, I am quite sure he would not hesitate to use both the bully pulpit and political capital to push through single payer, an end to DOMA and DADT, eliminating unfair trade agreements, getting us out of Iraq and Afghanistan, etc. The power of the bully pulpit is a huge advantage that the President has to rally the people to lobby their elected officials. Obama hasn't used that much for the simple fact that he doesn't back any plan of the type desired by the majority of Americans, so better to play it low key with nondescript verbiage like spouting the words "Public Option" (but offering no specifics about what his idea of a public option is). If Democrats could learn to select candidates solely on their platforms and voting records, without EVER listening to MSM hyperbola telling us who is "electable" and who is not, or who "see's little green men" and who "speaks to god", or who looks "presidential" and who is "too short", etc., we could achieve so much more. Unfortunately, our elections are more of a beauty contest amongst a field of candidates deemed "acceptable" to corporate interests, and Democrats fall in line every election. The people will NEVER come out ahead as long as we continually follow this cycle.

[Kermitt Gribble]

27. So if someone is not happy with their elected official

they must still vote for that person for fear someone worse might replace them? Gee, I wonder why our govt is so corrupt?

[Hieronymus]

36. Of course you're right.

[zulchzulu]

40. If perfect angels were politicians, they would get trounced...

First of all, this whole tirade is supposed to play to some "I'm a populist loudmouth!" schtick.

Has legislation been passed?

A sports analogy (since Ed is into that) would be having the crowd turn on a baseball team because they are losing by a couple runs in the second inning.

[Bluenorthwest]

51. Sorry but the sports analogy that fits Congress

comes under the heading of the 'fix is in'. Say it ain't so Joe! That sort of thing.

[Kermitt Gribble]

53. So, if a politician

casts the majority of his/her votes in opposition to what your ideals are, you will still vote for that politician just because they happen to be a member of a certain political party?

[Chisox08]

84. You're not from Chicago are you

We will turn on our baseball team if they are down by a couple of runs in the first inning of the first game.
Back on topic. This is the best time to pass true health care reform. Hell, we can even pass single payer health care system . We have a popular president, 60 Senators and a large majority in the House. Dems don't have to play nice with the Republicans.

[Clio the Leo]

37. Exactly NT

[howmad1]

46. Well, lets see......

.....Kucinich, Dean. Hey, here's a thought: how about we close all the public libraries in America. After all, those bookstores have to make a profit. Damn government involvement in our reading habits will ruin this country. :sarcasm:

[TankLV]

73. How about just staying home...

sorry, but unless there's a marked difference, he will be a one termer - and he only has HIMSELF to blame...

[LynneSin]

19. I don't mean to be obvious but does Ed know how bills are passed in DC

Perhaps his comment should be reflected by the Senators and Representatives who have not offered a public option. I mean yes Obama makes bills that are presented to congress but ultimately it's those senators and representatives that present the final bill for Obama to sign.

[ellacott]

26. Very true

People need to also hold their feet to the fire also. Everyone's whining about the President but won't lobby their Senators and Representatives.

I wonder how many people have revisited mybarackobama.com(organizing for america) since the election. There are links for events regarding health care and where to meet up and organize. There is also a website managed by the Dept. of Health and Human Services that is devoted to health reform.
http://www.healthreform.gov/index.html

I'm tired of all the whining from people who won't get off their butts to work. It's not all up to the President.

We don't even have strong Democratic support. He can't do it alone.

[LynneSin]

30. +1

nuff said

[Cha]

31. It's all Obama's fault..just look

at this thread to see how many knee jerk up on the wagon.

[ellacott]

33. It's pitiful

No one wants to help make the bread but everyone wants to eat it.

[JDPriestly]

91. I have lobbied my senators and representative.

[yodermon]

39. He'd better damn well VETO a plan that has no public option. Else: primary challenge. nt.

[marimour]

62. LMAO (thanks for the laugh)

[butterfly77]

43. Exactly, and I am wondering why..

he is not leading a protest of some sort, on some of these senators while they are on vacation, target some of these insurance companies,pharmaceuticals etc...

[Dinger]

20. I Like Big Ed K & R

[Peacetrain]

21. What is he going to do , take his ball and go home?

[SlingBlade]

22. I'll go even further ...

If there's no public option I won't support ANY Democrat in the next election !

The Right Wing has kept their little soldiers in line with the single issue
items of Abortion, Which after eight years, Still exist. Gun Control which is
pretty much the same as before Bush came into office and Gay's which has actually made gains. In other words, They Did Nothing for their constituents.
But election after election it's, Gun's, Gay's, Abortion ....

And they will fall for it like the idiots that they are.

The Democratic Party will not hold my vote with the promise of Next Time !
They must show some daylight between the Rethugs and themselves on this.

The Time is NOW, Put up or forever shut the fuck up !

[quakerboy]

68. That seems like baby with the bath water

I will not vote for someone who disagrees with everything I find important just because they are the right party, not will I refuse to vote for someone who agrees with what I find important just because others in their party are bought and paid for.

I can say with certainty that I will not vote for any democrat that fights against a public option. There are some that I will go out of my way to find money to set aside so that I can donate to their opponents. But I will not penalize those who try and fail, only those who fail by not trying.

[mkultra]

125. will you also pledge to delete your DU account and never return?

[Fire1]

24. Gee, another one hit wonder. n/t

[bvar22]

25. I'm standing with Ed.

If you are smart, you will too,
AND let your Senators and Reps KNOW about your decision.

[flpoljunkie]

28. Did you hear this last caller who pays $9K with a $6K deductible for a Health Savings Account?

This is Newt Gingrich and Dick Armey's baby. John McCain touted these Health Savings accounts in his campaign--altho was offering only a $5K credit for a family to buy this kind of insurance coverage.

I expect this is a great deal for the insurance companies who sell this crap, but obviously unworkable for families. The man said they could not afford to go to the doctor. This is unacceptable.

[Cali_Democrat]

29. What if Congress passes legislation with no public option?

There's only so much he can do with Congress because it is a separate branch of government. President Obama can try to do some arm twisting and convincing, but at the end of the day Congress can do whatever it damn well pleases.

We don't live in a dictatorship. As much as some folks want Obama to be a dictator, it's just not possible.

Sorry.

[dflprincess]

32. He can veto it if there is no public option

If he doesn't we'll get handed a song and dance about how now we have "reform" and will have to give it time to work and it will be years before we get another shot at actually getting all Americans access to health care.

[Cali_Democrat]

35. True

But a veto won't guarantee a public option. All I'm saying is that it won't be easy to get a public option and Congress may not want to play ball. So laying all the blame at the feet of Obama doesn't make a lot of sense if you ask me.

[dflprincess]

38. At least he'll have tried

if it passes with no public option and Obama signs it then he is as much to blame as Congress. I doubt if there'd be the votes to override a veto.

Lyndon Johnson, either as President or Senate Majority Leader, would have kept the Democrats in Congress in line on this. Obama needs to stop trying to make nice with Republicans (at our expense) and make it clear to members of his own party what he and the public expects from them.

[quakerboy]

70. Veto

Simple, easy, done, and it throws the issue back in their lap and allows him to keep the spirit of why we elected him. Hell, its downright bipartisan, given that most R's are going to be against anything that comes out no matter how much it caters to them.

If they override him, we know its not his fault, and we can reflect that in who we chose to reelect. But if he accepts a inadequate or even a detrimental bill, then we can also reflect that in who we choose to reelect.

[invictus]

34. K&R. Same for my congresscritters. nt

[Phx_Dem]

41. Good, he can campaign for Palin. Or Romney. Or Jeb Bush.

[bigwillq]

42. Or another Democrat that does support it (nt)

[dana_b]

58. or a third party or

anyone else he damn well pleases.

[Phx_Dem]

65. True. Just like you probably did in 2000. And thanks for George Bush!

[dana_b]

81. wow - how presumptuous!

oh, and I don't remember being on the Supreme Court either.

[Webster Green]

83. You can thank the U.S. Supreme W. Court for appointing junior..

They stopped the fucking vote count. We were supposed to take to the streets to overthrow the coup, but we're a bunch of fucking wimps. :banghead:

[Chef Eric]

112. Sure, it's only the Nader-voters who are to blame.

It's not like Al Gore bears any responsibility for driving away the left by choosing Lieberman as a running mate.

[Phx_Dem]

63. No other Dem is going to challenge the president. You and Ed

can just sit home and pout.

[Phx_Dem]

64. Dupe

[mkultra]

126. who then? Hillary didnt support public option.

[OwnedByFerrets]

44. Maybe if every voter called their congress person and said the same

we just might get something palatable.

[Cleita]

48. Not the time to blame Obama yet.

He can send legislation back to Congress to make them do it right before he signs it into law. This will be a test of his leadership.

[jenmito]

50. I don't think that's fair. Just yesterday Ed praised Obama for explaining so well why a public

option is the right way to go. Obama can't help it if Congress won't give him what he wants.

[Ninga]

52. W got almost everthing he asked for...

:shrug:

[jenmito]

60. That's because the Repubs. fell in line.

:shrug:

[CakeGrrl]

75. But Democrats don't march in lockstep!

And while that characteristic is celebrated here, some will bemoan the lack of Democratic congressional support that the President receives if he doesn't get a decent bill to sign.

:crazy:

[NYC_SKP]

78. +1 If DINOs in Congress let Obama and us down, I'll be blaming them. nt

[jenmito]

107. Thank you. It's THEIR fault and Obama is not a king. n/t

[undeterred]

54. Good for Ed.

His own health insurance rates went up, so he's willing to make a stink about this issue.

[Skidmore]

55. Ah, sweet Jesu on a bicycle...

why don't people get to work on these deadbeat Senators who are trying to kill the legislation. Get the freaking thing passed first and if the man refuses to sign it then withdraw your support. For God's sake, did any of you ever take civics class?

[vaberella]

61. +1000. n/t

[CakeGrrl]

76. +1 - or watch "Schoolhouse Rock", at least

"I'm just a bill, a lonely old bill, sittin' here on Capitol Hill..."

I knew how bill became a law when I was pretty damned young.

:rofl:

[ecstatic]

56. Well, he's RICH... So a repub in office is actually better for his

wallet. Those of you making under 500k should probably think a little harder about it though.

[Faryn Balyncd]

57. If there is no public option......we (& the US Treasury) will all go bankrupt.....and our party will

......be thrown out by the people.


Passing a bill with no public option is one of the few things worse than not passing anything at all.





K&R

[quakerboy]

71. +1001

sorry, had to up the immaturity level. But you are absolutely correct. If there is one thing that could bring the R's back to power sooner, it would be passing a Mandate to force people to buy inadequate overpriced insurance.

[Faryn Balyncd]

74. "passing a Mandate to force people to buy inadequate overpriced insurance" -the1 thing to save GOP..

You have phrased it better than I.

[Indenturedebtor]

82. Even without the mandate if they don't deliver public option they're done

Most of the country wants public option and knows someone if they're not personally dying from lack of good insurance.

Deliver a public option or stay home.

[FiveGoodMen]

122. +1002

[GarbagemanLB]

59. If the Democrats can't force through some kind of public option with 59 fucking seats, I'm done with

them.

And no, that doesn't mean voting for a Republican, it means voting third party and for certain Democrats with spines.

[UrbScotty]

69. President Palin would thank him (nt)

[kenny blankenship]

105. Keep laughing, funnyboy!

See what happens.

[TankLV]

72. Me neither...I've used up all my leeway and excuses for him...

chances are very good I stay HOME this time around...

[NNadir]

79. Of couse Ed Schultz - whoever the hell he is - can run for President himself.

I really get tired of people announcing that they won't support "so and so" if "so and so" doesn't do what I demand.

I have zero respect for Ralph Nader, but Nader proves that any asshole who is inflexibly tied to his own moral superiority can run for President all by himself, and then notice that people don't give a rat's ass what he thinks.

[Divine Discontent]

93. Ed Schultz is a wonderful progressive talk radio host who also appears on MSNBC on his show

and frankly, there's a reason why this is one of the most viewed threads with thousands of hits already, it's because the absence of a public option will cause millions of us to not actively support with donations the re-election of President Obama. This is the #1 or 2 issue that America faces - if you have anyone in your family right now suffering a grave illness you learn to understand how mega-important this is, and Mr Obama has to push for a public option if he wants an easy re-election. There's nothing wrong with you expressing your views, same as me, or Ed. President O is a great guy, but he's not going to get a lot of support from people who actively worked on his behalf in 08 if he caves on this issue.

He needs to know this is how strongly we feel, and I hope he listens!

[peony]

80. Public option needs to include the following

(1) must be national, not Kent Conrad's phony appeasement plan for regional co-ops
(2) Ready on day one - no triggers
(3) must be accountable to Congress and the voters.

FDL action: whip count tool here:
http://action.firedoglake.com/page/s/publicoption

[farmboxer]

86. I doubt if I will bother to vote next election if Obama keeps betraying

"We the People". He needs to stand up for those of us who supported him. Did he sell out? He seem to be afraid of the Republicans. Republicans did not vote Obama into office, "We the people" did. Republican hate the people and so love the damned corporations.

[defendandprotect]

97. Unfortunately, Democrats have been staying home for decades . . .

quite well understanding the BRIBERY of our elected officials and the limited

choices we are given in candidates.

Didn't help much --

We have to strengthen third parties and get IRV voting --

Needless to say, we need lawsuits vs campaign finance BRIBERY.

[democracy1st]

88. K & R

[leftofthedial]

94. ya say ya want a revolution

well...

[ChiciB1]

117. Won't Happen, People TOO Apathetic AND Even MOST Here At DU

have told me for YEARS & YEARS... REVOLT doesn't work!!

But let me know when the REVOLUTION STARTS, I'm ready, but NOT holding my breath!!!

I've tried the writing, phoning, signing petitions, contacting agencies... still a BIG ZERO!! Rarely ever an answer, and if I get one it's the usual "bounce back" reply!!

[defendandprotect]

95. Actually, good to hear some logic and common sense . . .

Randi Rhodes began to talk about this while she was still with Nova.

This was before the election -- perhaps even before Obama was the official candidate.

But, what she was saying was that after we moved Democrats in again -- and settled the

most urgent things -- that what we had to do was begin to strengthen third parties and

get IRV voting. Without that there is no threat to Democrats who know we're not going to

the right. There's no leverage on them from the left.

Anyway, this is what makes me very nervous for Randi -- and I've been very concerned that

there will be a new attack on her -- and/or on the stations supporting her.

Keeping my fingers crossed -- and, of course, I agree with her on what has to be done.

Finally, BRIBERY is illegal -- and without doubt the elite/corporate money is bribery.

It's not only illegal -- it's Un-Constitutional!

Grounds for impeachment!!!


I'll be back to count how many "Bet he's sorry McCain's not president!" comments this draws!

[Dragonfli]

98. I agree with Ed, conditional however

I won't hold it against him if he uses his influence to try to pass a strong public action rather than listen to the Emmanuel Bros. that would prefer to privatize it all (medicare as well). I will be able to tell if his support of the people over the Zeke schemes if he vetoes a bogus bill and holds his parties feet to the fire.

It is up to him how we vote, Many Senators have proven who owns them and they have already lost my support.

I know that many say I have to vote Dem even against my own interest because the option is worse, I think that the reason the opposition has more influence that Democrats within the Democratic party is because they use that like a threat and a dare. If they learn we can not be taken for granted then they will learn to please US if they would like to get elected rather than pleasing the Republicans using some bullshit appeasement centrists approach.

[sisters6]

100. K and R. I think there will be something called a 'public option'--but

unfortunately-- for all,--the insurance industry will be in charge. I am glad to see Ed on fire about this.

[workinclasszero]

101. Damn it dems, grow a pair and do what's right!

There better be a public option or there will be hell to pay for the President and his party IMHO.

Did Ray-gun and Bush give unions a break? Did the rethuglican party give the middle class a break when they controlled DC?

Oh HELL NAW! So now we are supposed to let up on these thieves that let people die and or go bankrupt to make a profit??? BULLF**KIN S**T!!!

We elected President Obama and a dem controlled Congress to correct the abuses of the thug party, one of the worse being the horror that is health care in America!

If this President and this Congress lay down and spread their legs yet again for the big insurance companies that have been raping the public for years, all bets are off!


WHY IS THIS EVEN A POSSIBILITY???

I can see the effects of millions of dollars of insurance company blood money already taking effect on Congress! Please Mr President fight for the PEOPLE!

Please God once in my life I'd like to see politicians in Washington DC do something that benefits the working class people of this country! Just once before I die!

Is that too much to ask for in this capitalist pig heaven we are all struggling to survive in??

[stillrockin]

102. I'm with Ed.

[Thrill]

103. This is a stupid statement. Especially when you consider Obama is the ONLY one out there making

the case for the Public Option.

You don't see ANY Democrats out there fighting for it. Obama has been very clear this needs to be in there. Outside of Dean no one is out there fighting for it. Where are the Senators? Its laughable to blame Obama. Democrats have left him out there hanging by the balls for it.

[kenny blankenship]

104. If the dems betray their voters and block the public option, I will NOT vote for them

ANY of them.

[glowing]

106. I'm with him.

[LaydeeBug]

108. But if he *gets* the public option, all faux pas are FORGIVEN and then some

seriously. if we get a real single payer public option (and if you ask my opinion, it oughta be that you have to opt for a private option, but whatevs) there will be no wrong he could do.

seriously.

NOTHING would stop him from re-election.

[jenmito]

110. On The Ed Show yesterday, he didn't repeat that threat. He said Obama WANTS a public option but

Dems. in congress don't seem to be cooperating, and if he doesn't get it in the bill, Obama will be a one-term president.

[LaydeeBug]

111. This is true, and he has also said that every ill will be forgiven if he gets it done.

If Obama gets this done (and make no mistake, the busk stops with Obama whether we want it to or not) He will skate, no, even SAIL into re-election.

[jenmito]

114. Yup, and according to his guest who just met with Obama, (Gov. Jim Doyle (WI)),

Obama is VERY committed to having a public option and HE thinks Obama would "move forward" and "withhold bipartisanship" like they did with the stimulus.

[EndElectoral]

116. I'm with Ed. Without it, I'd have to support a different Dem in the Primary.

[jenmito]

118. There may not BE a primary opponent. n/t

[GarbagemanLB]

119. Exactly. The only other option is to vote third party or not vote at all.

Which is likely if he doesn't take a firm stand on a public option.

[jenmito]

120. He IS taking a firm stand on a public option. Ed was impressed with Obama's defense/explanation

of it at his press conference. He also did a great job defending it last night at his televised town hall.

[quidam56]

121. We must have a public option

Too many American's are being ripped off by the politicians and the profit machines. The health care system spends $ 1.4 Million per day lobbying Congress, that sure could go a long way to help so many folks who need health care. I know exactly what the outcome is of the status quo. http://www.wisecountyissues.com/?p=62 It's called quality health care in Tennessee and Virginia.

[mvd]

128. Here's what I think is a fair take

I realize what Obama is dealing with, and that he's trying an approach that he believes is pragmatic. I'm just asking for leadership on one thing, and that he threatens to veto if the bill comes to him without a public option. Single payer was already given up so there can be compromise. I will support Obama over the Republican, but if we don't get real health care reform, I'm wondering how much change in the status quo there will eventually be.

[4lbs]

129. The Republicans in Congress want a crappy plan to hit the President's desk. Then he'll have

just two options, both of which are unsavory:

1.) Sign the "crappy plan", which doesn't do anything.

Then the Democrats in the base will holler that it was pure crap and nothing really happened.

The Republicans win.


2.) Veto the bill and send it back to Congress for either possible override (very unlikely) or delay healthcare reform for another year.

Then the Democrats in the base will holler that the President failed to keep his promise of healthcare reform.

The Republicans win.



It's up the the Democrats in Congress to make sure that the President does not get such a crappy bill.