White House Appears Ready To Drop 'Public Option' : NPR

by The Associated Press

August 16, 2009

Bowing to Republican pressure and an uneasy public, President Obama's administration signaled Sunday it is ready to abandon the idea of giving Americans the option of government-run insurance as part of a new health care system.

Facing mounting opposition to the overhaul, administration officials left open the chance for a compromise with Republicans that would include health insurance cooperatives instead of a government-run plan. Such a concession probably would enrage Obama's liberal supporters but could deliver a much-needed victory on a top domestic priority opposed by GOP lawmakers.

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Will the compromise be enough to bring the some of the critics over?

Would it really enrage the left?

Would it accomplish what both sides want?

Would it be an example of actually meeting to solve a problem together?

Would it give everyone the opportunity to take some of the credit for a solution?

Do the extremes on the left and the right actually want to share credit and solve problems or win points?

Will both sides negotiate in good faith?

Do Americans really care which side wins as long as problems are solved?

President Obama's Op-Ed piece on his heath care reforms. Here's an excerpt: There are four main ways the reform we're proposing will provide more stability and security to every American... READ MORE