Organizing for America (OFA) is asking its supporters to call their members of Congress and ask them to support the health insurance reform bill. Via Greg Sargent:
The move is interesting because Organizing for America — and Obama himself — have been criticized for not throwing enough weight behind the provision.The OFA email doesn't get too specific. But, at least they're engaging. They're going to have to get much, much more engaged if we're going to succeed. Because, the GOP and its allies in the insurance industry are desperately trying to kill Obama's health insurance reform agenda. Which makes me wonder why Obama's political arm felt compelled to tell us that "the House incorporates the best ideas from Democrats and Republicans." Republicans? Really? The only idea that's come from Republicans is to block and undermine real reform -- and they will continue to do so. Why does OFA give them credit? I find it hard to believe that the RNC or any GOP operation would ever credit Democrats for anything.
The new email, to go out from OFA chief Mitch Stewart, calls on Obama’s supporters to flood their members of Congress with calls in support of the House health care bill:The House’s first full vote on health reform legislation may come as early as this week. It’ll be the first time in more than 60 years that the full body votes on comprehensive reform, and we expect it to be very close…To be sure, the final tell will be whether Obama puts his prestige on the line to persuade centrist Dems to get behind the public option if the Dem Senate leadership can’t put together 60 votes for a bill with a public option in it, and subsequently, when the House and Senate merge their bills in conference.
Can you call your representative right now and tell them to vote in favor of real health insurance reform?…
The House bill incorporates the best ideas from Democrats and Republicans to guarantee security and stability for those with insurance, provide affordable options for those without — including the choice of a public insurance option — and reduce costs for families and small businesses, all while decreasing the deficit.
Many representatives are standing with the President and fighting hard for reform. They need to know that they have our thanks and our support.
Someone at OFA should include Obama, Rahm and Messina on this email. Be great if they actually started calling members of Congress "and tell them to vote in favor of real health insurance reform..."
