This article from the Las Vegas Review-Journal is making the rounds, and it seems at a glance like great news for reformers.
“We are going to have a public option before this bill goes to the president’s desk,” Reid said in a conference call with constituents, referring to some kind of government plan.
“I believe the public option is so vitally important to create a level playing field and prevent the insurance companies from taking advantage of us,” he said.
True enough, he did say that. But speaking to reporters today, he also said, “Remember, a public option is a relative term. There’s a public option, there’s a public option, and there’s a public option, and we’re going to look at each of them.”
Things aren’t always what they seem.
Late update: A Reid aid says, “Sen. Reid believes that health insurance reform must include a mechanism to keep insurers honest, create competition and keep costs down. He feels that the public option is the best way to do that. While we don’t know exactly what that option will look like, Sen. Reid, working with President Obama, will ensure that whatever is included in the final bill does just that.”
So there you have it.
