Pressure builds on Harry Reid to deliver on health insurance reform

Senate "centrists" like their Blue Dog brethren in the House are slowing down and preventing real health insurance reform. Yesterday, Nancy Pelosi said she can't pass a bill without a strong public option. Now, Harry Reid needs to step up and put pressure on those wayward Senate Democrats who are preventing progress. From The Hill:

Liberal activists are pressuring Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and party leaders to crack down on renegade centrist Democrats who might block President Barack Obama’s healthcare overhaul.

Yes, we're beyond irritated that Obama has let his staff, led by Rahm and Jim Messina, let the Baucus fiasco fester. But, Reid is the Majority Leader and has some say in this. Greg Sargent thinks presents a real opportunity for the Majority Leader:

It’s worth noting that widespread disappointment with President Obama among rank and file Democrats for his conciliatory posture towards the GOP and “centrist” Congressional Dems presents a big political opportunity for Harry Reid. No idea if he’ll seize it, but it’s there.

Reid has a chance to emerge as a hero to Democrats who want action at a time when they’re sorely in need of one. If he makes good on his threat to get health reform through the Senate via “reconciliation,” rolling over “centrist” Dems, it would resonate strongly with those on the left who blame current Dem leaders — Obama included — for stubbornly refusing to acknowledge the GOP’s desire to scuttle reform at all costs.

We need a hero. Harry Reid needs to put on his boxing gloves and start delivering. McJoan thinks so, too:

Reid has a unique opportunity to lead here, if he makes good on the threat. The plug has to be pulled (no pun intended) on the Baucus debacle before more damage is done. Bypass Finance and move on without them. It would solidify Reid's leadership in the Dem caucus, because the majority of Dem Senators cannot be pleased with the way leadership and the White House have allowed Baucus to handle this. I'm not entirely sure that it will bring progressives back to the Reid fold, it would sure make Netroots Nation 2010 [in Las Vegas] a more pleasant experience for him.

Chris Bowers has been doing a whip count on Democratic Senators who support the public option. It can happen. But, we need leadership.