Will Obama Pull the Plug on Healthcare Reform’s Public Option?
Speculation is rampant on whether or not President Obama will opt for or against a publicly funded insurance option as a part of his healthcare reform package. This week the White House, under much pressure from both liberal and conservative groups, stated it would be willing to drop the public option. The move signaled a willingness to negotiate and compromise with Republicans and conservative Democrats who have jointly expressed opposition to such a plan. The about face from Obama is a recognition that the healthcare debate has become mired in a quagmire over the last month and, represents a significant shift in strategy.
Instead of the “go it alone” approach espoused by some Congressional Democrats, Obama is reaching out toward a bi-partisan approach to healthcare reform. One of the chief advisors on healthcare reform, David Axelrod, said this week: “We’re entering a new season. It’s time to synthesize and harmonize these strands and get this done. We’re confident that we can do that. But obviously it is a different phase. We’re going to approach it in a different way. The president is going to be very active.” Obama’s decision could hurt his standing with the liberal wing of the Democrats where staunch support for the public option is based. The potential for alienating the base of your party is always risky and, a difficult political decision – on both sides of the aisle.
However, I extend kudos to the White House!! If we look at history, no major shift in federal policy has ever had a lasting effect without bi-partisan support. It’s clear to me that healthcare reform requires long-term momentum not short-term fixes. That’s part of the reason I continue to believe we are in for a series of legislative packages over the next three to five years that will help us to address the evolving healthcare crisis.
The views and opinions expressed herein are my own and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Dell Services or its affiliates.
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