I think the purpose of today's health care conference has become clear, as has its outcome

[ThomWV]

At its heart what the President has been doing all day is asking Republicans the question, can we go forward with negotiations conducted in good faith or are you going to force Democrats into reconciliation? The Republicans have been inflexible. They are leaving him no way out. I think this conference will force action, and it will happen soon.

That said, this afternoon's conference has been an event of historical significance. It will be reviewed and discussed for decades to come. It is also a treasure trove for those who would distort. There is an awful lot that can, and will, be taken out of context. Its really a shame.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. The repukes have not done themselves any favors by participating in this meeting with

the attitude they are demonstrating.

[apples and oranges]

2. What can be taken out of context?

[ThomWV]

3. There have been parts all day long that will be cut and snipped - bet your life on it

[Raven]

4. Sadly, I think Obama got exactly what he was after: proof that

these Republicans don't give a shit about people and their problems. I think today cleared the way for HCReform and the Republicans made it happen.

[GiveMeFreedom]

5. When Fox News gets done analyzing todays conference

it will look like this. . .

[Tippy]

6. All right Mr President ..now is the time, now is the place.

The Republicans for all their talk today said one thing...We are the Party on NO They simply do not care....It's time to move this bill forward....

[bvar22]

7. The conference was a grand success!

Now the President can give the American People what they want without apologies or excuses.

* Would you favor or oppose the national government offering everyone the choice of a government administered health insurance plan — something like the Medicare coverage that people 65 and older get — that would compete with private health insurance plans?

Favor 82%

Oppose 14%

Not Sure 4%
http://www.ourfuture.org/blog-entry/2010010320/poll-shouts-message-massachusetts-voters-were-sending

[krkaufman]

8. A secondary objective would seem to have been ....

.... killing the public health insurance option through negligence. I'm not sure I heard anyone allude to such a thing descriptively, let alone by name.

[ThomWV]

9. You need to go back and hear Nancy Pelosi's closing - she made the case for the Public Option

[krkaufman]

11. Yes, I was going to do that (as I thought she may have alluded to it) ...

... but figured her being the only person to bring it up, in her closing comments, at that, would pretty much underscore my point.

[dixiegrrrrl]

10. I cringed everytime I heard the President interrupted

not to mention argued with and repeatedly interrupted.

I know I am old school, but damn!

[WCGreen]

12. BINGO