President Snowe Nixes Idea of Public Option with Opt Out

[Bleacher Creature]

Courtesy of TPM: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/10/snowe-i-do-not-support-public-option-opt-out-compromise.php?ref=fpblg

Snowe: I Do Not Support Public Option Opt Out Compromise

Brian Beutler | October 22, 2009, 12:38PM

In a huddle with reporters moments ago, I asked Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) for her thoughts on a public option compromise that would allow states to opt out of a national government insurance program, and her answer could slow down the proposal's considerable momentum

"I don't support that," Snowe said.

Asked further whether she would participate in a filibuster on a bill with a public option, she went almost all the way.

"I've said, I'm against a public option...yes...it would be difficult" to support allowing the bill to proceed to a vote.

<SNIP>

I'm so glad Max Baucus decided that empowering Olympia Snowe was a good idea.

[closeupready]

1. Let them filibuster, I say.

Let them show to Americans that they don't care if you don't have access to health care.

[robcon]

3. A filibuster is not an endless speech-making session anymore.

It just stops a bill in its tracks until a vote on overturning the filibuster passes by a 60% majority.

[high density]

2. OK so it sounds like Snowe isn't even for her own stupid trigger idea anymore.

Plus she is apparently open to a filibuster... Wow... She is just so gosh darn moderate!

[Bleacher Creature]

6. That's a DAMN GOOD point.

She just openly stated that she's against a public option. If that's the case, why would she be in favor of a trigger -- unless the trigger is the way to stop it.

[kstewart33]

4. Oh geez, enough is enough.

One, ONE senator's opinion stops it?

This is ridiculous.

[flpoljunkie]

5. It would be unprecedented for Dems to vote against cloture to proceed to a vote.

However, Lieberman is no longer a Democrat. He's too enthralled with his man crush on McCain to show his independence. That, and al the insurance companies being headquartered in Connecticut. I think he needs to be advised he will lost his committee chairmanship of Homeland Security if he votes with the Republicans against cloture to bring the bill to the floor for consideration.

He hinted as much in an interview with Andrea Mitchell his summer. Dem leadership would be wise to sit him down and have a heart to heart--before it's too late.

[Arkana]

7. How is she powerful? Because she voted for the Baucus bill in committee?

That makes her uber-Senator? Really? It would have passed without her.

[quantass]

8. LOL! Big Surprise...So Choice on a Choice and she STILL says no...Why is she even elected?

There is no reasonable reason to say no to po that includes an opt-out...if you dont want it you dont take it for your state. This clearly says she is NOT working for the people in her state...And there is NO chance that anything resembling competition in the final bill will be a NO.

Hats off to the WH, and other naive democrats who still think she is worth sacrificing the rest of America so they can kiss her ass one more time. For fuck sakes ... 'nuf with the republicans.... if some kind of half-descent bill doesnt pass then i cant say i will feel bad if the democrats lose several seats....if anything it will only help since it will make room for future Grayson's who are just as fed up with these poor politicians we call democrats.

Ok, flame away...

[Thrill]

9. Who cares? It sounds like all the Democrats may be getting on board with it

Even Nelson. So Snowe is irrelevant

[depakid]

10. the people of Maine are the biggest suckers in the country

Falling for Snowe and Collin's "moderate" spiel year after year.