The latest installment in the Democratic Party's disappointing slew of failures occurred Tuesday when the public option for health insurance was voted down in the Senate Finance Committee. Five Democrats joined the Republicans in voting the option into oblivion.
Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., the chairman of the committee, doesn't believe legislation that includes a public option will be able to get the 60 votes needed to overcome a Republican filibuster. Now, it's obvious he seeks to concede certain issues in order to pass the broader aspects of the plan. But even with his effort to draft a passable piece of legislation and this most recent conciliation, Baucus hasn't received confirmation of a single Republican vote.
The only hope for Democrats is Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, who may vote in favor of the bill.
According to a CBS News/New York Times poll, 72 percent of Americans support a public option for health insurance. So even with a 60 percent majority in the Senate and overwhelming public support, the Democratic Party is unable to stand its ground. Way to go, gang.
The efforts of Democrats like Baucus to compromise with the opposition are commendable. It's time for Democrats to buck up and get this legislation passed without diluting it to the point of impotency.
