It's about time Democratic leadership stop blaming voters for their unwillingness to enact real, meaningful healthcare reform. From Roll Call [sub req.]
Democratic leaders and some centrists calculate that the final Senate bill is likely to include a component that critics can label a public insurance option or, in recent Republican parlance, a "government takeover" of health care. So moderates appear to be angling for the Democratic leadership to settle on a public option compromise that they can sell back home.
"It just all depends on how you’re defining a public option," said Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), who voted against two public option amendments in the Finance Committee last week. "I’m not supportive of a government-run and government-supported public option. It’s got to be competitive. It’s got to create choice for people."
Blanche Lincoln doesn't have to worry about selling the public option back home. She doesn't need to worry about compromising it for the sake of her voters. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Arkansas is pro-public option.
Research 2000 for Daily Kos. 9/8-10. Likely voters. MoE 4% (No trend lines)
Do you favor or oppose creating a government-administered health insurance option that anyone can purchase to compete with private insurance plans?
Favor Oppose Not Sure
All 55 38 7
Dem 81 14 5
Rep 22 71 7
Ind 56 34 10
Over one in five Republicans support the public option, which is more "bipartisanship" than you'll ever see in Congress. Meanwhile, the public option enjoys solid support among Democrats (obviously), and Independents. In addition, the public option is supported among all age groups (including 50-42 among those older than 60), and both among blacks (81-5) and whites (51-43).
So stop with the bullshit, already, Dems. This isn't about taking a controversial vote for the voters at home, it's about whether or not you'll still be able to get money from your healthcare industry lobbyist pals.