Bipartisanship is so much fun. Senator "death panels" Grassley says he will vote no even if Obama and the Dems give him everything he wants!
In an interview today on MSNBC's "Morning Meeting with Dylan Ratigan," Senate Finance Committee ranking member Chuck Grassley (R) said he'd vote against any health-care reform bill coming out of the committee unless it has wide support from Republicans -- even if the legislation contains EVERYTHING Grassley wants.
snip
When NBC's Chuck Todd, in a follow-up question on the show, asked the Iowa Republican if he'd vote against what Grassley might consider to be a "good deal" -- i.e., gets everything he asks for from Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D) -- Grassley replied, "It isn't a good deal if I can't sell my product to more Republicans."
msnbc
Yes, giving up the public option just whets their appetites. The Republicans smell blood in the water.
Rahm has done so well, right? Obama's unwillingness to fight has been so successful. Yep, Baucus really knows how to negotiate.
Bipartisanship means letting Republicans win. Once again, Democrats get sand kicked in their face and smile.
I'm sick and tired of working for politicians who won't fight for working people. No contributions, no work, except for progressives. None.
Update I: Senator Feingold:
"A public option is a fundamental part of ensuring health care reform brings about real change. Opposing the public plan is an endorsement of the status quo in this country that has left tens of millions of Americans uninsured or underinsured and put massive burdens on employers. I have heard too many horror stories from my constituents about how the so-called competitive marketplace has denied them coverage from the outset, offered a benefit plan that covers everything but what they need or failed them some other way.
A strong public option would ensure competition in the industry to provide the best, most affordable insurance for Americans and bring down the skyrocketing health care costs that are the biggest contributor to our long-term budget deficits. I am not interested in passing health care reform in name only. Without a public option, I don't see how we will bring real change to a system that has made good health care a privilege for those who can afford it."
Feingold Statement on Public Option
Update II: Pelosi stands firm:
Pelosi Statement on Public Option
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on health insurance reform legislation pending before Congress:
"As the President stated in March, ‘The thinking on the public option has been that it gives consumers more choices and it helps keep the private sector honest, because there's some competition out there.'
"We agree with the President that a public option will keep insurance companies honest and increase competition.
"There is strong support in the House for a public option. In the House, all three of our bills contain a public option, as does the bill from the Senate HELP Committee.
"A public option is the best option to lower costs, improve the quality of health care, ensure choice and expand coverage.
"The public option brings real reform to lower costs over the 10-year period of the bill."