"NOTHING HAS CHANGED." - Kathleen Sebelius retracts remarks from Sunday

Kathleen Sebelius retracts remarks from Sunday
by Kid G
Tue Aug 18, 2009 at 07:38:23 AM PDT

...Kathleen Sebelius, about 2 minutes ago at a Washington DC conference, just reiterated the "new" public message on the administration's stance on health care reform.

In short, she said, "NOTHING HAS CHANGED." She also said that Sunday must have been a slow news day, which it obviously was.

My observations over the past few days are that the hedging comments from Obama and Sebelius were calculated messages to prepare us for a Senate bill that does not contain a public option. But I think Howard Dean is right: in the end, the reconciliation process will bring it back and there isn't a darn thing Republicans can do to stop it.

Now let's use this "controversy" to refocus. I know Organizing for America called me yesterday to phone bank, and I am ready to do it. Are you?

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/8/18/768717/-Kathleen-Sebelius-retracts-remarks-from-Sunday

I guess they got the message.

Maybe it was good in a way as it evoked a strong reaction from progressives.

in the NYT didn't mention a public option

Are they that out of touch with a large number of Democrats and progressives?

No wonder the republicans are much clearer on their message, the Democrats can't even get their message straight

"Heckuva Job" Kathleen.

Sometimes I wonder if the Bushwhacking will ever end...We have nothing to fear but fear of the GOP.

Please see this important thread where Dean spills the beans on the strategy:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8595884

JOE: Let me explain to people what you're saying. The House is going to pass a version with a public option. The senate will pass a version without a public option. You get past the 60 votes. You go to reconciliation, you put the public option back in. And then you vote it on it and you only need 50 votes. And you get a public option.... Is that what you're saying?

DEAN: Basically, yes.