President Obama, you have been listening to the advice of Rahm E., who has been telling you that the poor Blue Dog Democrats can't vote for a robust public option because they're afraid that it would doom their chances of winning their states/districts the next time they are up for re-election. You, of course, fully appreciate their concerns.
But there is something that Rahm forgot to tell you, Mr. President. He neglected to tell you that a very large number of real Democrats are in danger of losing their seats the next time they are up for election IF THE DEMOCRATS DO NOT COME THROUGH AND PASS A STRONG PUBLIC OPTION when some kind of health care legislation is finally passed.
I also have to wonder, Mr. President, if any of your current circle of advisors has explained to you why it is likely that the Blue Dogs can be persuaded to vote for cloture when the Republicans try to filibuster. You see, there is one thing they fear more than anything else, Sir, and that is the possibility of NO HEALTH CARE REFORM AT ALL being signed into law. Worse, the Progressives in the party are determined to make sure that the public blames THEM for the failure.
You need to maneuver them into supporting a robust public option with a sermon that goes something like this:
"Senator, you really don't have any choice but to vote for cloture, 'cause if you don't, your chances of getting re-elected will be real close to zero. Progressives will send money from all over the country to defeat you in the primary and they may even support your Republican opponent. The Republicans will still villify you, and they will not hesitate to also blame you for not getting health care reform done as a Democrat.
On the other hand, if you vote for cloture, you may still be able to vote against the PO when it comes to a vote, so long as it still gets passed. Or better yet, vote reluctantly for the Public Option after making a pious speech in which you apologize for your vote. 'While I am still opposed to the Public Option because _____, I'm voting for this bill anyway because HC reform is too important an issue for the American people desperately need some kind of HC reform. Blah, blah, blah...'
Mr. President, you may not be able to replace any of your current circle of advisors, but I really think you need to listen to some of the articulate idealists out there, like Michael Moore. Please call him and invite him to come talk with you for a while. You'll be glad you did...