Legal Commentary

Is the Public Option Fight Over?

By Big Tent Democrat

Ok, it is a rhetorical question, as the public option fight is clearly over. Don't believe me? Here is how Chris Bowers puts it:

With the health reform fight over, it is time on Open Left to turn out attention to other matters.

Just a few weeks ago, there was a fair amount of talk about Harry Reid promising a vote on the public option in a few months. Obviously, no one is taking that "promise" seriously. That said, I think this idea is a nonstarter:

In a way, the fact that a public option wasn't included in the health care reform law is a great opportunity for progressives. It would have been preferable to include the public option in the original law, without a doubt. And it would would certainly be nice to pass a public option during a second round of budget reconciliation in this session of Congress - but I'm not holding my breath. Nevertheless, defeat in this session may be a blessing in disguise, since progressive Democrats now have a clear and popular issue they can, and should, rally around for the mid-term elections.

Markos also takes this approach:

Any candidate we add to the list has to be solid on immigration reform, EFCA, repeal of DADT, climate change, and the public option. House candidates have to pledge never to join the Blue Dog caucus, while Senate candidates have to pledge filibuster reform.

(Emphasis supplied.) Honestly, does anyone take this seriously now? This is all show it seems to me.

Speaking for me only

Full post as published by TalkLeft on March 31, 2010 (boomark / email).