What "not the most essential" REALLY means.

[johnaries]

When Obama and others in the WH say that the Public Option is "not the most essential" element in the HCR bills, they are not saying they are willing to drop them. They are trying refocus attention on other aspects of the bills. "Look at the other parts of the bills, don't you want this?"

Obama has repeatedly said he will not sign a bill without a Public Option. HIs admin has repeatedly said "nothing has changed".

"The Wizard's First Rule: People are stupid; given proper motivation almost anyone will believe almost anything."
— Terry Goodkind (Wizard's First Rule)

[eShirl]

1. also implicit is that it *is* an essential element. n/t

[Orsino]

5. Hmm. I hadn't thought of it that way.

Good catch. :thumbsup:

[uponit7771]

6. Good point!! The media leaves out "most" in the statement

[Parker CA]

10. Obama is using the MSM's own tactic on them and on the public. Say something that is the opposite

of what is reality and it will become the focus of dialogue and will force the reality to emerge and triumph.

[Laelth]

2. Has he repeatedly said, "I will not sign a bill without the Public Option?"

If he said that, I missed it.

If he said that, is it possible that he has changed his mind? Sounds to me like he has changed his mind on that, if he did say it.

:dem:

-Laelth

[johnaries]

7. Yes, he has. As recently as July. And yesterday

Administration officials were quoted as saying "nothing has changed".

[Laelth]

8. Perhaps. Without a link I can't be sure.

But, presuming you are right, can you answer my second question? Isn't it possible that he has changed his mind on that?

:shrug:

:dem:

-Laelth

[Laelth]

9. Indeed. He said it July 18, 2009.

Link here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Weekly-Address-President-Obama-Says-Health-Care-Reform-Cannot-Wait

The President said, "That’s why any plan I sign must include an insurance exchange: a one-stop shopping marketplace where you can compare the benefits, cost and track records of a variety of plans – including a public option to increase competition and keep insurance companies honest – and choose what’s best for your family."

My bad. Sorry.

It does appear that he may have changed his mind, however.

:dem:

-Laelth

[johnaries]

11. Sorry, I should have included a link. As for changing his mind

there were several postings here last night, but here's the main link they quoted:

http://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/08/administration_official_sebelius_misspoke.php

Basically, 3 different administration officials saying Obama still supports it.

[debbierlus]

3. He also used the word 'sliver' and 'whether we get it or not'

In that statement -

Just call the White House and demand a real public option

[downeyr]

12. I think...

...that Obama is trying to say that the most essential part is to keep the insurance companies honest--if nothing else comes from the bill by some grace of shitty luck, at least the part about keeping insurance companies honest will be there.

But I have called and demanded a public option, as well!

[Orsino]

4. These are weasel-words...

...telling us that Public Option could be dropped, not that it already has been or will be dropped.

These words were chosen to quell the fears of the deathers, while promising nothing to anyone.