Here is what President Obama said last night:
Now, it is -- it's worth noting that a strong majority of Americans still favor a public insurance option of the sort I've proposed tonight. But its impact shouldn't be exaggerated -- by the left or the right or the media. It is only one part of my plan, and shouldn't be used as a handy excuse for the usual Washington ideological battles. To my progressive friends, I would remind you that for decades, the driving idea behind reform has been to end insurance company abuses and make coverage available for those without it. (Applause.) The public option -- the public option is only a means to that end -- and we should remain open to other ideas that accomplish our ultimate goal.Our confusion is understandable since it was President Obama himself who "exaggerated" the impact of the public option just six weeks ago when he was the "left" who demanded that any health care reform bill include a public option. Via Ezra Klein:
"[A]ny plan I sign must include... a public option to increase competition and keep insurance companies honest."
Now the President is telling us that such a demand is "bickering" and "a handy excuse for the usual Washington ideological battles." All sarcasm aside - what does this President believe? Anything? He tried to criticize the core of the Democratic party last night for defending his own words of six weeks ago. Liberals are not upset with the President because they are intransigent ideologues. We are upset with the President for repeatedly flip-flopping, going back on his word, and seemingly being unable or unwilling to be defend his views, ever. Our views are not extreme and ideological. Our views are - were - his views only six weeks ago.
I hope that last night was the beginning of a new Obama. A man who stands by his words, and fights for them. But it's extremely confusing trying to figure out which Obama is today's Obama. Is it too much to ask for the man we voted for?
