Friday Morning Open Thread

Good morning.

Lots of activity on the health care front. The Senate seems to be moving in the right direction. Although, we need a clarification from the White House on the whether President Obama is still pushing Olympia Snowe's meaningless "trigger". Olympia Snowe can't run the show.

In the House, there's an effort underway to secure 12-15 more votes for the strongest public option. Chris Bowers at OpenLeft has the target list here. This is crunch time in the House. We need the strongest possible bill from that body -- and we're close. Call your members this morning, especially if they're on the target list.

Obama is doing some politicking today. He'll be in Boston to do an event for Governor Deval Patrick. LGBT protesters will be on hand to remind him: "'Fierce advocate' means you have to actually advocate."

Then, Obama is heading to Connecticut for events with Senator Christopher Dodd, who is facing a tough reelection battle. Dodd is one of "four guys in the room" deciding the shape of the Senate Democrat's health insurance reform bill. He is also a very strong advocate for the public option. This visit to Connecticut, standing with Dodd, seems like an opportune time for Obama to clarify his views. Is he going to side with Dodd and the Democrats or still allow his staffers to push Olympia Snowe's "trigger" gimmick?

So, it's Friday, but it could be an interesting day....