Pass the Bill -- But take out the poison first.

[Armstead]

That's basically what Dean is saying and he is absolutely correct.

If Congress is incapable and unwilling to provide public health insurance, then at least do not force people to buy private insurance. Do not give other big gifts to the insurance industry.

Pass the things that are ACTUALLY HELPFUL and popular and not harmful now. Then come back later and get the rest of it right. In the meantrime DON'T MAKE THINGS WORSE WITH THINGS LIKE A MANDATE FOR PRIVATE INSURANCE.

That sounds like a reasonable compromise to me. (Also a whole lot smarter politically.)

[DrDan]

1. that would never fly with the insurance companies

[MNDemNY]

2. If only it would happen., but It will not.

[fasttense]

3. That would be a win-win even for the insurance corporations.

The DLC and Rahm could do a happy dance and claim they have passed historical legislation. President Obama will have fulfilled one of his campaign promises (his explicit concern over mandates without a viable alternative to corporate insurance.)

It would get Dean on their side and calm the angry base (and set up for a reconciliation for later improvement).

It would give insurance corporations more customers because you can't get a subsidy, if you don't purchase corporate health insurance. So, even the insurance corporations would win if the mandate were removed.

[Armstead]

4. Good points