Sanders, a self-described "democratic socialist" who supports the government-run plan, urged President Barack Obama to push for the public option even though the possibility of passing it appeared to die this week.

"I think we do have 50 votes in the Senate for a public option and frankly I don't know why the president has not put it in and I hope that we can inject it," Sanders said on MSNBC. "I think it's a very important part of healthcare reform."

It's not clear if Sanders's remarks will encourage leaders to take up the public option, but they will surely give hope to his liberal supporters who have put pressure on Congress to pass a public plan.

After today's partisan dog and pony show the political CYA Conference on Healthcare reform it's refreshing to see Senator Sanders reveal that, in fact, the votes are there to pass the public option that according to some polls 80% of the American public support!

I doubt seriously that Obama has been playing possum while he strives for "bipartisanship" and would suddenly pull an 11th hour rabbit out of his hat. No sadly he seems to be at home in the corrupted corporatism that is our current government the best that money can buy.

The CBO has to prove that it will lower costs first for it to pass through with reconciliation.

I have no ideas what the poll numbers are. if you watch fox news...people don't want socialized health care...which is the public option...but I've also heard 80 percent approve as well.

Of course....polls aren't overly reliable as they can use focus groups to spice things up to make it look more attractive to either side.

In the end people will support what they think is best for their family.

If they put in a public option....why have 2000 pages?

Absolutely, we need more government social programs to further bankrupt the country. We need mandatory Insurance policies and taxes to further bankrupt the people. Can't wait!! In fact, I may just sign my house and checking account over to Obama now to save time.

There is strong support for a public option, but they wont do it because of the nuclear explosion it would cause amongst the far right...

30-35% of the country is opposed to the public option...and although that really isn't alot, its the fact that they are fanatically opposed that is worrying.

Ultimately, it wont happen, so why even bother...the people want it, but meh, who cares what the people want.

oh, and its not 80%, but it is very high.

Originally posted by mrbarber
Absolutely, we need more government social programs to further bankrupt the country. We need mandatory Insurance policies and taxes to further bankrupt the people. Can't wait!! In fact, I may just sign my house and checking account over to Obama now to save time.

Actually, the public option would end up giving the government a rather nice profit...basically it puts government to work as a insurance agent, and if you have been watching, they dont do that bad.

You can disagree with the philosophy behind it, sure...but you cant just make up things to disagree with.

I will say to all on this thread the same thing I wrote and e-mailed to my Senators.

I will not comply with any mandate that forces me to purchase Healthcare Insurance from a private company.

There are no circumstances, consequences, or potential penalties that will alter my view on compliance

I will not pay additional taxes resulting from non-compliance

I will not pay any fines assessed resulting from non-compliance

Any effort undertaken to enforce compliance will be resisted by whatever means are necessary and appropriate.

Anybody who has actually read this legislation, as I have, who can show me where "We the People" will benefit financially, show me, because I can't find anything. What I do see is the costs and taxes will all be passed down to us no matter who they claim to be taxing. Corporations don't pay taxes, consumers pay the taxes. The cost savings will go to the government, not the people.

What I know is that a mandatory family policy meeting the legislated requirements will cost a minimum of $15,000/yr. That's per the CBO.
If forced to do this, I will lose my home. It's not going to happen.

The funny thing about reconciliation is the way it was referred to when Bush threatened to use it for federal judges.

When Bush threatened to use reconciliation it was referred to as "The Nuclear Option". Where is that term now that the Democrats are threatening to use it?

Bush ended up not being able to use reconciliation for judges because it was not a budget issue. Obama will not be able to use it for Government Run Health Care for the same reason.

Also on a conspiracy note I find it odd that no one in the MSM is taking a look at the numbers. I trust Bernie...I like Bernie and I can't believe his statement is simply posturing...I could be wrong??? I think he knows we have the votes and is trying to tell the citizens that Mr Hope and Change has stabbed us in the back.