Bill O’Reilly backs a public option. So apparently Bill O’Reilly is now effectively to the left of Max Baucus (at least on this issue). From the linked video:
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O’REILLY: But you know, I want that [a public option], Ms. Owcharenko. I want that. I want, not for personally for me, but for working Americans, to have a option, that if they don’t like their health insurance, if it’s too expensive, they can’t afford it, if the government can cobble together a cheaper insurance policy that gives the same benefits, I see that as a plus for the folks.
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I read that health insurance companies can already sell across state lines, but they must follow the policies and insurance requirements for that state (state law governs); the change would be that insurance companies would need only follow the requirements of the state they are based in, and so (in theory) a few states would post very lax and crappy insurance requirements, and most private insurers selling across state lines would establish their HQs in that state and so be subject to very little regulation, superceding the tighter regulations of other states (akin to credit card firms and Delaware)
I want to see something done even if it’s something less that we can build on. I see single payer as the way to go but we have win this battle before we get there.
I hope hey can create something close to but not quite public option so moderates Dems and perhaps one or two republicans will support it. Once that’s in place and working we can move forward.
I think the Dems need to have faith that more of the American public are with them on health care reform. Stop being pussies and do something. You’ll win more respect by showing courageous resolve than by trying too hard to compromise.