House won't pass Healthcare without a Public Option.

[and-justice-for-all]

Over the weekend Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the Obama administration was open to considering co-ops in a healthcare reform bill. Immediately, insurance-funded media went on the attack. Some reporters called the public option dead -- others "off the table".

The media is wrong... again.

Let's be clear: A Healthcare bill without a public option is D.O.A. in the House. Period.

To pass any bill in the House they need at least 218 votes but 64 House Democrats have stood up and said they will not vote for a bill without a public option. That means a bill without a public option would only have 193 votes.

It's up to us to make sure these Democrats stand strong and never back down in the face of pressure from the insurance industry and insider Democrats. Will you join me in thanking Healthcare Heroes like Donna Edwards from Maryland CD-04 and Chellie Pingree of Maine CD-01 right now?


http://dfa2.convio.net/site/R?i=cD74VqbIOyffgl63xJodgg..

Should we be surprised that the media got it wrong?

How many times did they count Obama out when he ran for President? For years, Hillary Clinton was a fait accompli as the Democratic nominee, yet we all know how that turned out.

Democrats nationwide stood up and voted. When the chips were down, we didn't change our message or back away from fighting to win. We re-doubled our efforts and we backed the winner all the way into the White House.

That's what we're going to do with our fight for a public healthcare option. We will not back down. We will stand up and get the job done. We will, more than ever, re-double our efforts to deliver the change America needs.

ADD YOUR NAME IN SUPPORT OF HEALTHCARE HEROES WHO WILL NOT BACK DOWN

There are 64 House Democrats with the guts to lead the way. After you add your name, we'll deliver these signatures to every single Democratic member of the House. We'll make sure they know who the House Healthcare Leaders are. And we will support those who stand and deliver real reform.

For those who won't, it will be a strong reminder: if you stand against the 76% of Americans who want a choice of a public health insurance option, you will stand alone for re-election.

This is a campaign and right now we are in the dog days of summer. But we're in this for the long haul. When we're through, we will remember who stood with the American people. We will remember who stood with the insurance industry.

Don't despair because the media doesn't get it. Take action and get the job done.
http://dfa2.convio.net/site/R?i=Sq0MdzgAQgKkhl2j_Bgb-g..

Thank you for everything you do.

-Jim

Jim Dean, Chair
Democracy for America

[bigwillq]

1. I've been getting these e-mails too.

And I can't imagine that a lot of others here are not. They would rather flip out. I am in a "wait and see mode" concerning the health care bill (s). I refuse to flip out until something legit is passed. However, if there is no public option in the final bill, I will be very pissed.

[Laelth]

3. When "something legit" is passed, it will be too late to do anything about it.

Now is the time to be heard.

Of course, that doesn't mean you need to "freak out," but, by all means, speak your mind now ... before it's too late.

:dem:

-Laelth

[bigwillq]

4. I've made some calls

and sent some e-mails.

But some people have taken it to the extreme here with the "freaking out" part.

[Laelth]

2. Pelosi has indicated she thinks she can bully the Progressive Caucus into supporting the plan.

Even if it doesn't contain a "robust" public option.

... for what that's worth.

:dem:

-Laelth

[natrat]

9. that just fucking figures, you just knew she was full of it the whoole time

[Laelth]

10. That's what she said here:

http://campaignsilo.firedoglake.com/2009/08/03/pelosi-laughs-at-house-progressives-and-you-should-too/

Pelosi: "Are you asking me, 'Are the progressives going to take down universal, quality, affordable health care for all Americans?' I don't think so," Pelosi told reporters Friday, breaking into laughter at the question.

:dem:

-Laelth

[TheKentuckian]

5. Yarmouth says he's not voting for any bill without a STRONG public option

Thank God in Heaven that I have a rep on our side!!!

I suggested he push for a single payer trigger to boot.

[femmocrat]

6. Thank YOU, Jim Dean!

You and Howard are doing the heavy lifting. Signing a petition is the least we can do.

[tritsofme]

7. Speaker Pelosi thinks the threat is empty

I don't diasgree with her.

Do you really think those members would really hand President Obama a major legislative defeat on his signature legislation?

[TheKentuckian]

8. They aren't it is the Blue Dogs representing far fewer people in many cases that are

killing the bill. The President asked for the public option and the progressive caucus and those affiliated are standing up for that. It is hard to arm twist away from one's own position. The Blue Dogs need to back down and support the President, party goals, and Democratic voters.

I have some doubt about single payer support overall but I tend to believe that at minimum half of Democrats support it. The Blue Dogs need to compromise from there and go home and sell they held the line and made sure that our solution is market based, while putting in a floor to protect consumers.

[Cha]

11. This is pertainent..

"How many times did they count Obama out when he ran for President? For years, Hillary Clinton was a fait accompli as the Democratic nominee, yet we all know how that turned out."

Chelli Pengree..I remember when she was running for Congressman person from Maine and she lost the first time..good to see her in this fight~ ANd Donna Edwards from Maryland!

Thank you, Jim Dean!

[democrat2thecore]

12. Don't Blame The Messenger, Jim!

The media reported the WORDS from this administration. You've heard of 'trial balloons'?

As much as I hate to say this, there is (almost) as big a disconnect in THIS administration between what the president seems to say - and reality - as the previous administration; just a lot more charm.