Public Option Is Dying In The Senate Because Obama Refuses To Fight For It

Senate Democratic aides told the Huffington Post that Obama's refusal to strongly push for the public option is the reason it is struggling in the Senate.

Democratic aides said that a "handful" of senators who are skeptical of a public plan likely could be persuaded if not to support it then at least to oppose a Republican filibuster, if the administration were to apply a bit more pressure -- or even guidance.

"There is a clear sense that it would be helpful," said one senior Democratic aide. "Throughout this entire debate the White House line has been 'We will weigh in when it is necessary'.... Well now we need 60 votes. So if it's not necessary now, then when will it be?"

Obama's refusal to push senators to support a public option is nothing new. For months, his aides have been saying Obama thinks it is the best option, but that the President is fully open to considering completely worthless “compromises.” This is not the message you send if you are hoping to change the minds of conservative Democrats.

Progressive are up in arms not because Obama is failing to deliver on a popular campaign promise, but because he refused to expend any effort to even try to follow through on his promise. If Obama really wants a public option, it is long past time for him to stand up and fight for it.