The Dems who favor a strong public option for health care should send the president a message

[WI_DEM]

Unless you fight for a strong public option in any health care legislation we will not automatically support the administration on other parts of its agenda. The people spoke in 2006 and 2008 and want real health care reform including a health care plan for all. This is the pivotal issue of our party.

At least 36 Senators so far have said they favor a public option plan, so that would be a lot of preassure.

Now I've heard Obama wants a plan with a public option and I hope that is true. But those dems favoring this really need to hold his feet to the fire on this one.

[sandnsea]

1. How many times does he have to say it?

Obama isn't the problem. Blue Dogs are the problem.

Besides, this is Hillary's plan so I don't know what half of DU is bitching about anyway.

[WI_DEM]

3. I know but I think he must really fight for this.

[sandnsea]

4. I think *WE* must really fight for this

And I don't think we've really started yet.

[billyoc]

6. Because it sucks.

[Skink]

2. Isn't the public option the whole plan?

[sandnsea]

5. No, it's a small part really

But it could be the key part to driving down costs.

Other parts of the Kennedy plan include subsidized private insurance, tax credits for business, mandated pre-existing coverage, mandated payout, technology upgrades, all kinds of things.

[Orangepeel]

7. People represented by a Senator who isn't one of the 36 need to hold their feet to the fire (n/t)

[s-cubed]

8. He should threaten to veto any bill w/o a public option n/t