Pelosi seeks centrist support for liberal ("robust") public-option healthcare proposal

Source: The Hill

Pelosi seeks centrist support for liberal public-option healthcare proposal
By Mike Soraghan - 10/14/09 08:23 PM ET

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is seeking to modify the House healthcare legislation to bring centrists around to the more liberal government-run insurance option, hoping that will give her the strongest negotiating position with the Senate.

.................

Liberals want a public option that has rates tied to Medicare, while centrists who could accept a public option want those rates to be negotiated.

The strategy of pushing the bill to the left in order to improve the House’s bargaining position in conference is supported by liberals. But centrists, like the leaders of the Blue Dog Democrats, call it a politically dangerous strategy that will cost Democrats seats in the 2010 elections.

....................

Pelosi also said in the meeting she believed she has the votes now to pass her more “robust” version of a public option.But she said that she wants to show unity among House Democrats rather than passing a bill with 218 members, the bare majority of the chamber.

Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/house/63165-pelosi-seeks-centrist-support-for-liberal-public-option-plan

I can go along with negotiated rates, that can always be improved upon later, when we replace the traitors in the Senate. As long as its a national public plan that people can choose, I'm content.

as the "story of the day".

Someone trying to divert our attention?

:kick:

The vast majority of the American people favor a fully tax supported public health care option.

Kicking & recommending as much for your very sensible call to abandon this ridiculous 'centrist' term for reactionaries as I am hoping that Congresswoman Pelosi stands up for what's right (and truly at the center of the American people's needs and beliefs).

-app

to all who choose it.

The private insurers have told you what they will do, whatever you come up with-- raise premiums!

So, as you noted, they have told us they need that public option to keep them in check. Let's make it the most efficient to introduce-- Open Up Medicare! 50+ in 2010.

people who aren't for it are simply petrified of it.

Too little too late, I'm afraid. Unless they have some ways to twist some arms.