Posted on 09/08/2009 12:12:35 PM PDT by TroutGuy
Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) both cast doubt Tuesday on their support for a public-option component to the Democratic healthcare reform effort, suggesting the Obama administration is still struggling to win over key Senate centrists.
However, Collins and Lieberman both told The Hill they are more supportive of a “trigger” concept floated by Collins’ Senate colleague, Maine Republican Olympia Snowe, which calls for a public option to be implemented if insurance companies fail to fix the current system’s cost inefficiencies.
Reform supporters and critics alike are watching Collins, who cast a key vote this winter for President Barack Obama’s stimulus bill, and Lieberman, who occasionally breaks with Democrats although he caucuses with the party and generally supports it on domestic issues.
“I’m opposed to a Washington-run public option,” Collins said. “I believe it would cause many people to lose health insurance that they’re currently happy with now, and that’s contrary to the assurances that advocates of the public option have been giving. I’m also concerned about the cost and control issue.
“A trigger is certainly a better approach, but I’m not convinced that we could rely on this administration to resist the lure of triggering the public option.”
I did enjoy Collins' quote that "I’m not convinced that we could rely on this administration to resist the lure of triggering the public option.”
Gee, ya think Senator?
If they go for the trigger you know they will end up with a public option because the “trigger” will go off
“If they go for the trigger you know they will end up with a public option because the “trigger” will go off”
I agree — is the trigger a mood swing by 0bama? What exactly would amount to one, anyway?
‘I’ve been closely following the informal whip count in the Senate and I’m becoming increasingly concerned that the Dems may round up 60 votes for the “trigger” option.’
From what I’ve been reading so far, a plan with a trigger has no prayer of passing in the House. Reps are on a ‘public option or bust’ wagon. Both houses of Congress need to be on board for this bill to pass. And, both houses seem to be ignoring the will of the people. I’m hoping that a ‘Yes’ vote for Obamacare, in any form, will be an act of political suicide.
They will give the insurance companies an insanely short schedule to lower costs and when they can't do meet the deadline, they will pull the "trigger"...
These elitist looters are perfectly happy with inflicting this monstrosity onto the public, when they know they’ll never have to languish under its effects.
“If they go for the trigger you know they will end up with a public option because the “trigger” will go off”
Opposite.
The “trigger” is a gimmick to give liberals the idea that maybe, just maybe, something different than super RomneyCare will be implemented. Obama is in the pocket of private insurance, among other interests. It will never happen, and the trigger will be cocked only if the Democrats, and Republicans, think that insurance company donations are too low.
The “trigger” will be activated shortly after the bill becomes law. This is another farce. Any discussion of Federal health care is unconstitutional since Article 1 Section 8 does not expressly grant Congress the power to regulate health care. People should be driving home this point instead of specific provisions within any proposed legislation.
“Reps are on a ‘public option or bust’ wagon. Both houses of Congress need to be on board for this bill to pass. And, both houses seem to be ignoring the will of the people.”
What’s the will of the people? No public option, but supportive of the fascist non-option?
Obamer would just appoint a “Trigger Czar”, unvetted with no documentation, praised by Pelosi and Jarret and boom, the public option is ushered in.
A nice byproduct, the Dems get cover by voting for this “Trigger” option and can disavow any connection to any of it.
These folks are so damn clever I got to admire them.
Such a trigger implys that we must trust the communist not to deceive us that it has been “triggered”. NO DICE. But i have a better trigger idea; How about a trade, release your birth certificate AND college transcripts, then maybe we can talk about your agenda.
You first,, Kenyan mau-mau communist.
Doubtful??? They need a Pelosi pep talk!
lock and load health insurance
This article shows how Mark Kirk will be able to side with the RATs on Obamacare in the Senate while at the same time claiming he didn't flip-flop because he only against the "original" bill when it was "partisan", but he's always supported the principle of "bipartsan" health care reform and he was able to "reform" the legislation to make it "bipartisan". If anyone needs to see how Kirk will be behave in the Senate, just look at the track records of Arlen Specter and the Maine twins.
Surprisingly, many conservatives still think Mark Kirk is telling the truth when he speaks before GOP audiences and claims to be adamently against Obamacare.
But... but... but... Lieberman is one of us ‘cuz he supports the war (only in the middle east)! /s
You Got that right! It’s sickening to remember that Lieberman was McCains first veep choice. Never forget.
It’s not the public option, it’s the government option.
Translation: Collins and Lieberman support the public option.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.