How many on the progressive wing of the Democratic party were duped by Putin?.

[JHan]

260. "nothing stopped them from adding the public option"

Sometimes when I read things I think people believe Democrats are a super power who could always get things done if only

Let's take a trip down memory lane okay?

Yes the Democrats had a house majority in 09, but that majority existed in conservative leaning districts which Dems swept up on the heels of Obama taking the presidency. These Blue Dog dems were against the ACA, I suspect they feared the building rhetoric from republicans, and were concerned about holding on to their seats ( Look politics is complicated, who knew?) And Nancy Pelosi, who is now derided by some usual suspects, managed to whip them into shape to get the ACA through the house and then to the Senate.

When it reached the Senate, Democrats did not have the majority they needed when legislation was drafted. If you recall, Dems only got to 56, after a prolonged months-long legal battle over the close election in Minnesota which Al Franken eventually won. He eventually took his oath in the summer of 2009. Still Dems were short of the 60 mark. Usually they could rely on the independents who caucus with them - Sanders and Lieberman. At first Sanders was against it until he got his concessions.

Lieberman, unfortunately, showed his true colors, and was probably still smarting from his failure in 2006 and discontent with the Democratic Party, and by this time could not be relied upon as any kind of ally to Democrats. If you recall, he endorsed McCain in 2008 and ran as an independent in a state where insurance companies have a stronghold. He refused to get on board until the ACA was stripped - and stripped of BIG THINGS like: public option and lowered medicare age.

Ben Nelson was also iffy. As a concession to him, the "cornhusker" amendment was added which gave States the option to expand or not expand medicare. (Also the supreme court later held this up in a 4-5 decision in 2012: https://www.natlawreview.com/article/analysis-us-supreme-court-upholds-affordable-care-act-roberts-rules)

Ted Kennedy's death in August 2009, threw a wrench in the process even though Paul Kirk who replaced him supported the ACA. After months of hearings and subcommittees, by the time the final ACA was sent back to the house , the Dems lost Kennedy's old seat via special election to Scott Brown which meant Dems lost their filibuster proof majority. House Dems realised they had to make do with what they had, and they knew if it was too "Liberal" the Senate would kill it. Nancy Pelosi stood her ground and they stuck with the flawed bill which was signed in march of 2010.

So much for Dems easily adding the public option, unless you think the ACA should never have been passed, damn the people who eventually benefited from it?