In an interview on CNN's State of the Union, Rep. Keith Ellison laid down the battle lines for President Barack Obama, whose White House is wedged in the middle between conservative Senate Democrats and the conservative House Blue Dog Coalition and liberal House Democrats.
"Why should the liberals always cave?" Ellison said when confronted with the prospect that Obama might ask the liberal members of the party to compromise.
Asked what he would like for the president to say Wednesday in a joint address to Congress that will focus on health care, Ellison stuck to his guns.
"He could say, 'You know what, the public option is essential to reform.' He could say that a public option is the only thing that's going to hold insurance premiums down. . . . He could say that a public option with a large provider network is going to help promote better medical practices based on evidence. So, I'm hoping that he understands the essentiality of the public option."
Ellison rejected outright the idea of bringing a public health insurance option into the insurance market through a so-called "trigger" that would kick in years after passage of a health-care reform bill and only if the private insurance industry failed to meet certain benchmarks relating to coverage and cost.
Ellison said private insurers wielded substantial market power "in nearly every major metropolitan area" that gives companies the ability to set premiums at high rates.
"How are we going to get them down? By introducing three things: competition, choice and a competitive price. I don't know how any conservative can be against those three things," he said.
Ellison also said Sunday that non-profit co-ops, an idea under consideration in bipartisan negotiations in the Senate Finance Committee, also would not suffice in his view because they would not have large enough provider networks.
The Democrat also told King that co-ops should not be used out of an anti-government mindset.
"Let's stop this ideological commitment to bashing government," he said
Ellison also encouraged Obama to use reconciliation, a special Senate procedure relating to budgetary legislation, in order to get a bill passed with a bare majority - likely all Democrats - in the Senate.
Ellison's comments were directly at odds with remarks Sunday from two of his fellow congressional Democrats.
Also on State of the Union, Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson suggested use of a triggering mechanism on the public health insurance option as a compromise, and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar appeared open to the proposal but said she wanted to know more about the benchmarks that would be used to activate the trigger.
Both Democratic senators also told King that they favored a more bipartisan approach to health-care reform in their chamber that would garner the 60 votes necessary to break a filibuster and both suggested that use of reconciliation would not be the best course of action.
From CNN Politics
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Bush never caved. Even when he and his party had control of the entire government, including the Supreme Court, he was stomping and whining until he got everything he wanted. And he called that being 'bipartisan' by bullying democrats into giving him everything. Perhaps it's time Obama changed tactics as well. Instead of actual bipartisanship and compromises, he should too just throw a tantrum until he gets everything and then AFTER-wards he should call it 'bipartisan.'
That trigger should have been activated 10 years ago when health care cost to citizens (read that profit to Corporations) starting increasing every 6 months or so.
Waiting decades is NOT rushing it. It's way past due.
Give us public option. If that doesn't work, then let Ins. try their hand again – with major regultions.
Hoping that Republicans would work with Democrats in good faith for the very best interests of the U.S. CITIZENS and not their party is an exercise in futility. It won't be long that another unimportant, picayune incident will happen to a Democratic official which will be blown out of proportion ad nauseam by the Republican faithful....or shall I say ....Christians? Also, be careful of what you wish for....there are numerous stories of wealthy individuals who have been stricken with a horrendous illness, confined to an expensive Nursing home, until medical insurance and finances run dry. Many are relocated and all apply for Medicaid, that nasty government plan. And, whatever Health plan is finally decided upon should apply to everyone....Congress included. We pay for their insurance...it should be the same as ours.
MAJOR Regulations. (typo)
What blows me away is how many people fall for the Republican's incredibly obvious diversionary tactic of fear-mongering, manipulation and lies.
The Republican's ideas and policies are proven failures:
- 30 years of voodoo, tinkle-down economics that resulted in real income loss, massive debt and worldwide financial collapse
- Iraq
- Afghanistan
- Osama bin Laden still on the loose
- Worldwide financial collapse
- Inept response to Katrina
- Trampling the Constitution (warrantless wiretapping, etc.)
The list goes on and on ...
All the GOP can do is try to make President Obama fail – because they've got nothing to offer!
The list goes on and on!
Liberals should "cave" because they are wrong on virtually every issue. Conservatism is the way to go for longevity. The more "liberal" people the more "anything goes" until there is nothing left – which is the point – there is NOTHING on the LEFT side that makes sense.
Being a liberal means "its all about me" and that cannot work in a civilized society. Being conservative means you take care of yourself first then help others with what is left over. Being Liberal means "give me what you have so I don't have to work for my own bread."
It is no coincidence that conservative are called "right" and liberals are not.
All the right wing fringe can do is lie and create fear and hate, and the Moderate Conservatives, Progressives, and Independents have heard it from their mouths for months now.
They are toast, and they're heading for a major burn.
They should not, health care for instance should be a right of every citizen in this country, not a priviledge. The true Christian way of living is you cannot keep it unless you are willing to give it away. Our country has way too many selfish, self seeking people. Somehow, someway we have to fix Social Security and Healthcare or this country and our children will pay a terrible price, just like GM and Crysler has.
Indeed. Why is the man who was elected in a landslide, who had a 70% approval rating, so ready to give in to big business? Inquiring minds want to know!
Obama has the foxes guarding the hen house on Wall Street, he's expanding our insane war in Afghanistan and he's ready to sell out any chance for real health care reform. That's change I DON'T believe in.
Can we get someone to redo that famous campaign poster? I think WIMP will fit very nicely where HOPE did before.....
Amen brother!
President Obama can give the GOP everything they want and they will never vote for it because the GOP do not want this president to succeed at any thing meaning they do not want the people to succeed.
Because of the above reality, I say to the President and Democrats: give us a single payer non-profit universal health care. Then, go on to energy and immigration. If the GOP want to help good if not okay and get things done anyway you can if that means 51 votes the so be it.
I have had enough of the GOP childish behavior and want our elected officials to get things done. In sports once a play is made all team members are expected to make it work. That is how it should be in politics as well; but no the GOP will do all they can to make sure the play does not work.
Folks,
I hope that prseident Obama remembers How he got elected.
53% Americans are waiting the president to deliver his promises.
A health care reform without a public option is not a reform at all.
Why the president is looking for republican approval to do what is right for American people?
He knows they are not going to agree with any proposal at all.
Pass the health care reform without republican will be beneficial for the middle class Americans who can't afford to pay the actual premium.
Republicans have said they need a "White GOP Party" to take over the nation why waiting for them?
Are you the president or something else?
That is what I have been wondering too!
The insurance companies are expected to meet certain benchmarks related to coverage and costs, MY EYE!!!!!!! That will never happen and we all know it. They've rulled for decades and will not cease and desist from their immoral and criminal practices. CONGRESS, ENACT THE PUBLIC OPTION INTO LAW AND DO IT SOONEST BEFORE CATASTROPHE BEFALLS MILLIONS MORE OF OUR CITIZENS.
Liberals must always cave because both Democrats and Republicans are supported by the same big corporations. The job of the Democrats is to look like the good guys while compromising at the last minute. The job of Republicans is to be the bad guy all the time. They both work on the same team. They pass the ball to each other to make a good show. In reality, there was never going to be any PUBLIC OPTION. Unfortunately, nobody works for the people.
Because you are so ridiculous in the stupid matters and suggestions that you come up with . It is Cheneyism [MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY,] I am an 80 year old democratic supporter and straight ticket voter all my adult life except for 22 yrs in the navy which at times we were not able to vote. You are the epitome of one sidedness, with unbelievable ideas and wants. NEGOTIATIONS IN GOOD FAITH could get you more than you deserve. Wake up before you cause this country more angst and disruption. It will get you more than stupid demands.
Because some of them not a lot have intelligence.
As a Democrat, I have no problem with differing ideas within the Democratic party about how government should be involved. It's much better than the legislators-dont-get-their-own-mind Republican approach.
Because the "liberals" as they like to call themselves are the ones that want to turn our freedom loving republic into a gov't owned, gov't run socialistic nightmare. Get the drift Mr. Ellison. Considering you took your oath on a Koran, you're credibility is minimal.
I watched this LIVE today and OH BOY, was I yelling at the TV screen shouting YES! when Keith made these points!! Why is it that the Democrats ALWAYS have to give in – we should STAND for what we believe in and go FULL SPEED AHEAD on our beliefs? We always CAVE IN – just like we did for the Iraq war and we should not have.
We need to go with the PUBLIC OPTION and that's that!!! The Party of NO is going to TALK BAD about us anyway – whether we go with the PUBLIC OPTION or not!!! I already heard one REPUB stating that if President Obama drops the public option part of the bill there is still OTHER things in the bill we DON"T agree with!!!! You see – the REPUBLI-CAN'Ts have NO intentions of passing this bill with us – so, KICK THEM TO THE CURB!!
"'Why should the liberals always cave?" - That's right. I was asking exactly the same thing.
Seems to me that Dems simply don't know how to exercise their power when they have it, and Republicans will abuse it whenever they get a chance.
Not voting for either party next time around has suddenly become a serious option. How sad...
After this latest absurdity from the republicans about an 18 minute speech, I say kick them to curb and go without them and use reconcilation.
They have proven time and time again, they cannot and will not play well with others, so now is the time to kick them out of the sandbox and into time-out.
Appearing on a follow-up panel discussion on “This Week,” Bob Dole, the former Senate majority leader, said Republicans would be open to a public option after five years “if insurance companies haven’t cleaned up their act.” - New York Times, "White House Weighing Public Health Care Option", Joseph Burger, September 6, 2009
After decades of abusive practice, GOP wants to give private health insurers FIVE more years to shape up before they are shipped out by a trigger.
Are you willing to be ripped off for five more years?
Who will give the American people the first chance at the Public Plan?
I bet you the world is laughing at our debating over a Public Plan in the 21st century.
Anything less than a public option will be regarded as everyone as a defeat for the democrats. Dems will be ridiculed for being forced to water down their ideals while holding the white house and majorities in both houses of congress, and rightly so.
on the other hand, should they push the public option and lose by a few votes or a filibuster in the senate, then they can go into mid-term elections pointing a big finger at conservatives for being obstructionists, for big corporations, anti-worker, etc.
i dont know what in the world the administration is thinking. i am all for working together, but when the other side wont meet you half way and resorts to infantile attacks, name-calling and disinformation, you arent dealing with a reasonable partner.
take the gloves off Barack!
Great job, Rep Ellison! That took courage and real principles. I thank you for speaking the truth. Public Option Now.
There is a simple answer to this simple question.
Because they are always wrong.
I hope that the Liberals refuse to cave. That way they go into the history books much like the Far Right from Newt Gingrich's "Republican Revolution".
When will these extremists learn. The majority of Americans will not abide any far left or far right ideology for long.
The Liberal Dems don't need to "cave". All they have to do is listen to the people. Most of us do not want this plan they are trying to ram through just so they can say "WE DID IT'
After reading much of the plan, I believe they government has over stepped their bounds and maybe some constitution issues.
Just once, maybe ALL THE POLITICIANS should work for who put them there and not for private agendas.
The media worships at the bipartisan alter, but bipartisan means doing it the conservative way because of the slant given the news.
Atwater taught Reagan to talk about the "liberal media," and the meme has since been repeated so often it is accepted as truth. In reality, it is truthiness.
In truth the media is center right with a major lean on editorial and opinion pages to the right.
The dems don't need to cave,we have the majority and anyone to vote against the bill will be ousted come 2010, SIMPLE AS THAT!!!
Caving in seems to be part of the Democrats DNA now.....
I wish Obama would get a shot of Testosterone and take control of this situation. So many Americans that want this to succeed and if he lets this get away it will be tough to deal with any other important issues.
The President should insist on a public option and not a "trigger", which would only buy the insurance industry and the republicans time. If by chance the republicans retake the house, senate and/or the White House before the public option is triggered, they will repeal that provision. For the life of me, I don't understand why all of those poor ass so-called conservatives are fighting this. They're being raped by the insurance industry, too. Hatred is amazing.
That's right, why should they? The Dems acted like whipped dogs during the Bush administration. Now it's time to stop their posturing and whining and get behind their president, no questions asked, and no demands made. Support the man. He's at least trying to do a good job and before him we hadn't had that in eight years while Congress sat back and let this nation be run into the ground.
I am in total agreement with Rep. Ellison that the Dems should pass the public option bill using the reconciliation method. Forget what the Reds think, they are against everything. Too many Dems are caving to the threats of the Reds, but they don't have the political muscle to follow through on such threats.
They remind me of schoolyard twits who mouth, mouth, mouth. Slap 'em in that mouth and they'll get all wee wee'd up like the Prez says. When the American people see how a public system works they will flock to it because it works much better than the current system. And when the pols on both sides see how the people like it they will go along too.
I think this caving in all goes back to the Reagan years when the GOP declared "LIBERAL" to be a bad word. Nothing but a bunch of pot-smoking, open minded, sex crazed, atheists that have no morals and are bad for the country. Forget that far right conservatism has always been a hot bed for racism and sexism and other acts of intolerence. Even trying to change that name to PROGRESSIVE hasn't worked much when the left branch of the party always seems to have to cave in to the GOP and the right. GROW A PAIR! Time to show American that progressive is good and looks out not only for it's own but all Americans. Many are starting to tire of the far right rhetoric the GOP is spilling out and time for a change. The moderates and progressives need to jump on it and lead instead of follow for a change.
Too Bad that our lousy president is such a big liar..
He puts in a CZAR that is a communist.
Now the guy finally resigns.
Why does the president surround himself with socialists and communists. Does he not understand that this is the United States of America. We are a free country and we want to stay free.
Dont touch our healhcare.
Stay out of our pockets.
HE will next be for REPARATIONS. HE will be into STEALING from everyone and then REDISTRIBUTING the wealth.
He is a liar. A cheat. A socialist. PERIOD.
THANK YOU Rep. Ellison, I could not have said it better. Public option is essential. Compromise is NOT in order on this one. Period.
The Democrats better stand united and deliver, or the GOP will make sure they fail. Stand and deliver!
The LIBERALS should CAVE. This is NOT a socialist country.
We have different ideas but we are not SOCIALISTS here.
There socialist agenda is NOT what the people of America want.
NO ONE WANTS SOCIALISM except for Obama and the friends he sorrounds himself with.
This idea of a "trigger" is a joke....these fascist insurance and drug companies propose the triggers that take place only if a particular plan does not work. But for that to happen is nearly impossible. Why do you think they support triggers? Read the fine print. I hope someday these Forrest Gump southern republicans and fool democrats will someday understand that a public option is the only way to keep these companies in line. How many ex-employees do you have to hear until you believe what they are trying to do to us. I guess you would back these ripoff artists rather than receive fair priced health insurance. Just keep on voting against your own self-interest.
Because most people arent far to the left and liberls are and if you want something passed you need to compromise. I notice President Obama will be naming another czar monday and auto czar.
I agree with Rep. Ellison that it always seems to be Liberals that does the compromising. In an article in the Herald Dispatch, Huntington, WV on Sunday, 9/6/09, Jean Edward Smith, professor at Marshall University and author of "F.D.R." speaks of Pres. Obama's apparant readiness to backtrack on the Public Option. In this great editorial, he spoke of Pres. Roosevelt's New Deal and his many dealings with the Big Banks, the wealthy and how Roosevelt held to his guns and governing in difficult times. The editorial is very worthwhile reading for President Obama or anyone interested in the workings of the Democratic process even when the Republican Party tried to demonize him as the Devil Incarnate as he passed needed reforms. One interesting point to note, is that Jean Edward Smith stated that Roosevelt rode up PA Avenue with Hoover to the iauguration in March, 1933, but he never saw or spoke to him again. F.D.R. would be a great read for all who loves democracy and the democratic party! Now, on with the Public Option for Health Care!
I agree with Keith Ellison that the liberals shouldn't cave in. I see a public option to health insurance as crucial. Only the USA stoops so low as to use people's suffering for profit, denying them even elementary care unless they subjugate themselves under the yoke of insurance companies. Eliminate the skyrocketing profits of the insurance industry and health care will become quite affordable, without cutbacks or rationing or any other compromises. How the Republicans can defend the idea of depriving millions of people of basic care in order to safeguard the buck is not understandable; it is inhuman.
"Why should the liberals always cave?"
Now this made me laugh!
Good for him! Obama has been a disaster so far. Only seven months in and we can see that Mr. No Registered Lobbyists has been pillaging the citizenry to pay his corporate shills their pound of flesh. So much for change we can believe in. This is politics as usual. This is what happens when you vote for a Brand.
This is the first time, in a long time, that someone has actually said what needs to be said. The Democrats got their President, they got their majorities in the House and Senate, now it's time for them to show some backbone. The Republicans are the party of no! I cannot see why Obama hasn't grasped that fact yet.
Also, it's was refreshing to hear Mr. Ellison refute the Republican talking point about how horrible the government is. Those who complain about too much government don't seem to mind using government services.
They use the phone lines to call the fire department to put out fires, they use the post office, they use the electric grid to turn on their lights and they drive on government roads. It's great to see Mr. Ellison bringing reality to this arguement.
The "trigger" is like all the other forms of divert and delay thus far, not just against health reform. These tactics are familiar to all who know civil rights history. "Come back next year"....for what folks have deserved all along? We don't buy it.
"Why should the liberals always cave?" Ellison said when confronted with the prospect that Obama might ask the liberal members of the party to compromise."
Props to Rep. Ellison.....I will pray for his election to the Senate....He is right on.....As strongly as I support President Obama, I am miffed by his potential to sell-out to a bunch of losers....If he doesn't stand for something (public plan option) he'll fall for anything (a watered down healthcare plan that will appease big insurance companies and Repubs but not help average Americans)......
Republicans don't know which way is up.....If they did, they would have opened those pink tornadoes when FP Bush was giving away the farm (our country)......But I have to give it to the GOP, they can out-lie, out-propagandize, out-smear-campaigns Democrats any day........When it comes to dirt, they throw it well...
Here is another questions. Why should conservatives be allowed to continue to lie about liberals and Obama?
Why should libs cave? They are out numbered. If you had such great ideas you might not have to "cave."
What President Obama is going to have to accept is that the Republicans cannot work with him because they do not believe in bi-partisanship. They only want it when they want something. They will never love President Obama. They will hate him forever for daring to win the Presidency. He needs to accept that they are his enemies forever. They don't have the courage to speak up when their followers wish the presidency harm or when they blow things out of proportion like his speech to schoolkids. This all shows that the Republicans are not about working with Democrats, so the President might as well do what he thinks is right and let the chips fall where they may.
The country is not liberal or conservative. Most americans are in the middle or just a little bit right of center. The liberal politicians have positions that the overwhelming majority of the country do not like so they should cave and compromise so that we get good policies for the whole country....I would give the same advice to ultraconservative politicians as well.
"Why should the liberals always cave?" Are you kidding? Last time I checked the liberals held majorities in both houses, as well as winning the White House. You can do whatever you like, you can't blame this one on conservatives. Your president should have pushed for health care at the start of his administration, not nine months in. He has spent trillions of tax payers' dollars on his elitest socialist cronies like Pelosi. Let's face facts, President Obama doesn't really care for the truly helpless people in this society. Once again the poor are without a voice.
So Congressman Ellison thinks that a public option is vital to reform based on evidence. I wonder where he has gotten his evidence? Everything I have ever heard and read about the type of reform that is being talked about is NOT what the people of the United States need or want. We go to western Canada and even though some of the Canadian citizens think that their health care is free we all know that it is not. It is especially bad for anyone who needs an operation and anyone whoe is 60 or over. Has Mr. Ellison held any town meetings during their last break? If so, I'll bet everyone in his district didn't agree with him. I lived in Minnesota for years an they are, as a whole, pretty independent thinking people. Why the big rush to make such a sweeping change in health care reform? Since this is such a serious problem really LISTENING
Because liberals (idiots) only represent a small fraction of the country. The moderates democrats and republicans know the danger of bankrupting the country!!
I agree with the representative. When the GOP was in power, with a far less firm majority, they rammed everything through they could and spit at the Dems while they did it. Democrats owe the GOP nothing; no compromise, no voice, and certainly not any respect. That is a two way street, and the GOP has already shown its true colors while in power.
Dems should do what the people who elected them want done – not what the other side wants. They lost. We won. Get on with it, already.
Clowns to the left of me, here I am, stuck in the middle with you.
Former President George W. Bush and Dick Cheney sold America a war based on lies but President Obama cannot sell America a health care reform that includes public option. If a past president could sell us "Death", why cant President Obama sell us "Life"? What an Irony?
Democrat for Life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rep Ellision is absolutely right. There are millions of Americans who are outraged that the President and the Democrats are placating the Republicans and others who oppose the public option. It seems like their voices are lost in the sea of selfvishness of those who seem unconcerned that Millions of Americans are without insurance, or have sub insurance. This sentiment is unamerican.
Did you hear? Obama is going to give a speech about his thoughts on healthcare. It will be kind of a greatest hits from his last 100 speeches on the topic.
Hear ye!
I am tired of always going the extra mile. It's been a long life, a lot of "going along to get along," and it's time for some fair redistribution. Enough giving in, Mr. President.
A trigger is a trick. Why do Dems give up so much for so little in return? It is as if Dems do not have the guts to go all the way for excellance. They must humor everyone else. The United States belong to all of it's citizens.
Because Liberals are still in the minority. Independants elected Obummer, not Liberals. Independants are turning away from Obummer in droves, and that leaves Liberals to defend their dying dream, alone. They have to cave now, and will cave more.
The government that governs best, governs least. The liberals would be wise to always remember that. Jimmy Carter Jr. is about to e rendered politically ineffectual for the next 3 years. Why? Because the liberals have failed to realize while they need a nanny state, the majority of US adults do not.
I'm with you Mr. Ellison, time to show a little backbone. Time for logic and pragmatism from the Dems in a maze of repulican lunacy. Eventually people will come to their senses and realize what's truly best for them – even if it is a black president and the democrats that make it happen. Time to grow up repubs and look toward the future – not the political future, but the economic future and the future of health care not only for us, but for coming generations. The status quo is not sustainable.
I just wonder, how many "tea baggers" would be rallying so vehemently against the public option if they found themselves laid off and either paying the horrendous costs for cobra, or doing without health insurance. I think they might be changing their tune – at least they would if they had any sense behind all that delustional anger.
Why should liberals always cave?......BECAUSE THEY'RE ALWAYS WRONG!
.........and notice how you never hear the democrats mention the words TORT REFORM, even though frivulous lawsuits are one of the main reasons our healthcare costs are so high? I wonder if the millions and millions of dollars the democrats get each year from the ambulance-chasing trial lawyers have something to do with this.
We better support healthcare reform now, if we don't the Republicans will NEVER do anything about it in the future. This is our last chance for reform!
Republicans have become baseless and nonproductive.
Why you ask? Well if I told you why it would not be printed here.
Lets just say, you are weak and incapable of forming a consolidation that lasts more than a few months on anything. That's because you are all liberals and liberals are very passionate about their cause, but each of of you are passioned about your own cause and think that it is the most important.
Whereas the conservatives are only passioned about one single thing right now. Ensuring that Obama remains a lame president and gets the boot in 2012.
Now do you understand?
here, here! ellison can be my representative any day!!
I like the fact that there are still some liberals that stand by their principles. This country doesn't work when one side is constantly holding court and forcing losing compromises upon the other. The liberals wanted a single payer system. They compromised by letting the republicans keep their employer based system, but expected to at least get a fall-back system for those who so chose to get an affordable government option like medicare, which the seniors of this country seem to enjoy.
Liberals are willing to understand the other side of the issue and are willing to incorporate other ideas. Most conservatives that are well known are blow hards that have the attitude of "its my way or the highway;" better yet their perspective is "everyone is wrong but me and those that agree with me. Unless it is a Republican like Bob Dole, most Republicans don't care about the other side and are very unlikely to listen because it isn't their ideology.
Agree with the above,why discuss and then cave in on the item that was at the front of health care plan.
Why should they cave? Because what they are doing is unconstitutional. It is time to run the liberals out of this country, by force if necessary, starting with the puppet master George Soros.
Because progressive liberals are monetary idiots!!
The insurance companies don't want competition, choice, or having to price their policies competitively. Market place competition used to be the champion capitalistic policy of the Republican party but they lost their backbone and caved into greed. The money is too good from these companies for their campaigns. The Republicans are also setting a new set of rules that, like their idea of giving the presidency extra powers under GW has come back to bite them, their lying smear tactics and disruption of government will come back to bite them when those same tactics are used against them. They truly are shortsighted and apparently lacking intelligence.
I believe that President Obama should go for broke and push through health care with the public option. What will the Blue Dog Democrats and the Conservative do? Ride his back and try to stop him at every turn? Oh, that's right; they are already doing that. He has nothing to lose. I think he should strike and put through any of his policies that he can while he still is blessed with a majority. The Republicans are working overtime to thwart this man even though the majority voted for him. The Conservations don't care, they just want to have their way and force us to return to the darkness that permeated America during the Bush regime. Maybe, but I doubt it, common sense will prevail.
Saving da Idiocracy......one Burnt book at a time
No Socialistic, Communistic, Crazy, Freethinker, Educated type gone get in da way of my Corn Syrup additive......I pay my hard earn cash for my pepsicola.....cause I work there is good too right?
Corporations really do care....about you not gettin to wise....cause den day lose da monies....and day git to put you outta the job!
Free America, start with free Corporate reign, Insurance, oil and Jesus....all you need kids. figit dat Piece a paper in de Archives,
Civilization is de enemy of the Cowboy and the Barbarian....
How will this new entitlement be paid for? If this new govt option is anything like the new Medicare Advantage plans then it will be a nightmare.
Why should the liberals always cave? Because liberals always want everyone, liberal or not, to pay for their do-gooding. In effect, they're trying to be generous with other people's money. There are only two ways to do that: You can ask for it politely through, for example, voluntary donations, or you can demand it through, for example, taxation.
A guy named Robert Heinlein once observed that "There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him." That's not quite true. A worse tyranny is to force a man to pay for something he doesn't want to pay for merely because you think it would be good for someone else.
So that's why liberals, unless they can devise a means by which their do-gooding is paid for exclusively by people willing to do so, should always cave–doing otherwise is tyranny.
If the Republicans want to take their marbles and go home, let them go. And yes Dems get some backbone and tell it like it really is – for example all of the health giants that are greasing the palms of those who have all of a sudden gotten some sort of concern about the American people. Would there be so much hoopla if big business was getting those millions like they did for 8 year? Were was the outrage then? Of yes, I forgot the President wasn't a Black.
didn't have a problem at all w/ the artilcle. as a republican, i would love the dems go down the reconciliation road.
also, 60 votes in the Seante is a LONG way off. Byrd is on his death bed....and 2010 means the jack a sses on the fence will most certainly punt.
Keith Ellison, the first congressman to be sworn in as a muslim is complaining about what? Not making in-roads quick enough?
Democrats across the nation have worked too hard for too long to achieve the numbers in Congress and a Democratic President to accept some sort of useless, watered-down version of health care reform. Without a public option, it isn't reform. Without a public option, there is no reason to pass a health care Bill. If our Democratic leadership fails to deliver, Republicans will get the opportunity that they thought would be a long time coming again. No, I won't vote for a Republican but I certainly won't waste my time and donations on Democrats if they don't have the determination, courage, and unity to stand for Democratic principles.
How could I ask the people in my district to vote for them if they throw away this opportunity to restore our economy. We can't do it without meaningful health care reform. If they surrender to lies, false and misleading information, and threats; they will fail their nation. The DOD's health care budget will double in the next 10 years if something isn't done now.
Democrats – lead or pack up your toys and go home!
The chickens are coming home to roost. President Obama has promised too many different things to too many people and he can't deliver on all of them. If he satisfies the far left he will lose the center and vice versa. His speech Wednesday will be too little and too late to bring the Democrats back together.
Here's a new conspiracy theory: Obama has handled the health insurance reform issue so badly, so obviously ineptly, that maybe HE is in league with the insurance industry. Now he's people are saying the public option is negotiable.
As a liberal, I say maybe my support of Obama in 2012 is negotiable.
I'm tired of seeing the extreme right wing set the agenda and control the debate in this country.
The question should be, "why is the public being ignored?" What happened to government by the people for the people. This nimrod is advocating government, by the libs for money and special interest. Hello...are we still a democracy at all? The people DONT WANT IT!!!
I agree. It's time Obama quit reaching out to the party of NO, and started kicking their butts.
Democrats need to know that as long as they continue to fight within their own party whether they be liberals or conservatives they will never get anything done. LISTEN DEMOCRATS the Republicans are united to defeat you, cant you see it and they will do it any way they can, they saw an opening and they are using it to there advantage. We as American are tired of the Republicans and Democrats trying to see who will defeat who in 2010 We need help now 2010 is not promise to no one people need jobs,healthcare,our kids need help now and this President is the one to do it but he cant by himself he need Prayer for 1 from the American people in a postive way and he also need help from his party if not the Republicans so we as Americans are asking you to work with the President or just resign too!
I see it is okay for the republicans to ram bills thru on reconciliation, but when dems try to do it, it isn't a good thing. I am ashamed of congressional democrats who are saying the dems should not use reconciliation to pass health care reform. When will the democrats in congress get a spine??
I hear you – why should you cave? Man up, speak up and stand your ground. In 2010 you wish you had (when you find yourselves ousted from office)....enough of being bullied into compromising – the Repubs never do and let's face it, they were never for reaching across the aisle in the first place – they have proven this time and time again. So do what you have been elected to do – get the job done that we know that can be done......quit wasting time trying to placate those who have no solution and just do whatever they can to help make sure that this administration is not successful.
What a joke!
Only an idiot would push for a public option. The American people are too smart for this administration!
The public option is just another power grab by the wolves in sheep's clothing who don't give a hoot about the people!
He's right. Every time the liberals try to appease the right, or even work with them on something, it comes off as looking like the left is weak. Palin claimed a victory over death panels (forgetting that she presided over her own in Alaska) before Congress had even returned to session, and the right ate it up as truth. We have the hard fought majority and we're wasting it. Health care NOW, and for all.
Liberals should cave because their plans will destroy the economy of this country and destroy rather than reform our health care system. And the American people don't support their radical plans and do not want them crammed down their throats!
Because you're always wrong!
Presently, quite a few really poor people are assisted with health care through Medicaid; all people over 65 are assisted with health care through Medicare; many children are assisted with health care through state-based health care programs. So, why is the idea of assisting working adults obtain health care such a huge issue?? It seems to me that the issue must be something else, but health care is a convenience for people who want to bash the president. Could this be similar to cutting one's nose off to spite one's face??
I find it so hard to understand how the GOP which is anti-abortion, is against the Public Option for Healthcare. What they are telling us is, don't abort your child, but don't expect healthcare for it either!
Need to update memory capacity, because there are memory errors in this one. When Reps were in charge, people complained why they had to cave in to the Dems. Recycled opinions. Please give us something fresh.
I would like to suggest to the "liberals" out there that they grow a spine and get on with doing what we want. WE WANT A PUBLIC OPTION.
President Obama needs to stand his ground against these uneducated, school drop-out, sleep through class Republicans. They are using politics in everything. How ignorant and stupid can people be?? I can't believe it. We need Health Care Reform w/public options or the insurance companies will keep playing their games. All this hate and partisanship seemed to start in 2000 with Tom Delay, Karl Rove, Cheney, and Limbaugh and has steadly gotten worse. With airhead idiots like Palin, and our idiot Bachman who claim to be so good are only adding fuel to the flame. Pawlenty needs to do his job here in MN and quit acting like he is God's gift to the country. He is a loser too. Check out the comments in the Mpls. Star Tribune.
The Dems can learn a few thing from the rePUGS. When they wanted to go to war againts all common knowledge they vilified any and all opponents. With all the UNIVERSAL benefits that this legistalation can unlock, the opponents should not only be villified, they should be deported. This will benefit Americans, and any house is only as good as the foundation that it built on. A for-profit model model for something as vital as life has proven to be a huge mistake. With this legislation the people at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder will have one less thing to worry about, and that sort of resolve has a butterfly effect that will impact all citizens. Their employers will no longer have to pay such exhorbitant amounts for healthcare, which can be re-invested into the company, and by Repuglican ideology "begin creating jobs"
LIFE, Liberty and the Persuit of happiness.
Victory Is Ours!!!!!!!
Go GET EM BARRACK! Dont back down. We dont negotiate with terrorists!!!!!!!!!!
This is the same question I am asking people........
"Why do liberals cave?"
Bush admn was excellant enough to push through whatever they wanted and Obama, despite having good ideas, is crying to get things done.
I think McCain was right, Obama is not a strong leader afterall.
To me what John King has been trying to do is, if you are black you are a liberal....How nice!
As a Democrat, I have to wonder if the commentators have actually read HR 3200, Nancy Pelosi's bill she wants to shove down America's throat.
The problem with HR 3200? Not one single place does it say it is voluntary. It mandates employers to enroll all new employees in the Public Option, it audits self-insurers, pages 425-430...the language is so poorly written, that it could be construed as "Death Panels" as Palin said on her facebook page.
Then we have to look at the "Health Czar" on Dr. Ezekial Emmanuel. His own words about a "life cycle" and his belief that health care should go to the younger crowd vs the older crowd. He also believes a "death pill" is a better option than prolonging a person's life...
If you actually read HR 3200, you would realize the only spot that bill belongs is in a trash bin.
Liberals? What about what happened to Palin?
Go Keith! We're so happy we have you representing us!
No the liberals don't cave in. We are just decent people who know the meaning of compromise. Unlike some other people whose motto is "my way or the highway".
Indeed, why? They already did. We wanted a single payer program and settled on a public option. It's time for the other side to compromise
Why should the liberals always cave?
Because they come from a mindset that believes compromise, dialogue, and bi-partisanship are honorable alternatives to take-no-prisoners, know-nothing, scorched earth obstructionism?
Not that Republicans ever gave a fig about such niceties.
He's right, the Republicans have no power, and if they were in power they would never go along with the Democrats on anything. It time to seize the opportunity. Working with the Repulicans in a bipartism approach is like swimming with an anchor.
The GOP and the Republicans are a party of ignorant, hate promoting bigots who are less concerned with the country than they are with demonizing others.