The debate about the public option is astounding at so many levels. The passive-aggressive mixed messages from the White House. The sausage-making gone awry in the Finance Committee. The absurd kowtowing to an opposition party that is not only politically irrelevant, but not even listening. The fierce counter battles waged by the blogosphere, unions, and others to keep meaningful health care reform in play.
All of this is fascinating as political gamesmanship, but one thing I'm not seeing discussed much is this: the Democrats will own this bill, whatever it may be. And if it includes insurance mandates but excludes a public option, hundreds of Democratic Party careers including, in all likelihood, President Obama's will be driven over a very steep cliff.
I'll explain the obvious below the fold...
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