Grijalva: We're Glad Obama Didn't Throw the Public Option Under the Bus

Yeah, I remember someone who went all the way on health reform.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/forum/may96/background/health_debate_page2.html

January 25, 1994 - In his State of the Union address, President Clinton tries to refocus public attention on health care reform as Congress prepares to wrestle with the actual legislative proposals. In the most dramatic moment of the speech Clinton unequivocally lays down the gauntlet, promising to fight to the end. He threatens to veto any legislation that does not guarantee every American private health insurance. Moynihan and Foley say privately this is a serious mistake.

June 19, 1994 - Bill and Hillary Clinton, frustrated by the one-sidedness of the battle, assemble top White House staff members and give them a pep talk, recommitting themselves to fighting for health coverage for every American.

June 28, 1994 - John Dingell admits failure. Unwilling to make any more compromises he sends a formal letter to Speaker Foley admitting that the Energy and Commerce Committee will not be able to deliver a bill.

August 18, 1994 - Democrats gather for a private leadership luncheon. Though the initial remarks by senators are polite, they clearly contain strong criticism of the Mitchell bill. The meeting erupts into a stormy confrontation between Ted Kennedy and Bob Kerrey, who get into a shouting match that shows how deep the divisions in the Democratic party have become. This leaves observers stunned and convinced the party is falling apart.

September 19, 1994 - The New York Times reports remarks -- never subsequently denied -- that Bob Packwood made to his Republican senatorial colleagues during closed-door strategy sessions while he was managing the Republican attack during the summer. "We've killed health care reform," Packwood told his fellow Republican senators. "Now we've got to make sure our fingerprints are not on it." For many this is the "smoking gun": proof of a carefully plotted, and secret, Republican strategy.

Congress reconvenes. Mitchell hopes to set aside four days for Senate debate on the new Mainstream bill and then schedule a straight up-or-down vote. Republicans begin mobilizing for a filibuster to keep the bill from reaching the floor. Supporters realize they don't have enough votes to break the filibuster.
.....
September 26, 1994 - At a news conference in the Capitol, George Mitchell pulls the plug on health care reform.

* Threaten to use vetos
* Supporters rally but in late September are surprised by a GOP filibuster
* Reform defeated

Any lessons we can draw from this?

Grijalva is happy Obama didn't throw the PO under the bus - meaning he's just happy to still get the crumbs. Yes, another great speech saying nothing new except he's gonna take it to those bad Republicans. Big nothing for me. After a while the speeches are meaningless bec there is no commitment, no follow through, just blah, blah, blah. Now he decides to get all worked up. It's way to late Mr. President, the battle is over, you didn't draw that line in the sand, and tonight we still have no idea what's up with the PO. What is this s hit about it's gonna be part of the "Exchange" 4 f ing years down the road. WTF, where did that come from. This is 3 card monty with Alexrod and Gibbs as lookouts. Really pathetic. If the progressives were happy with this speech they're losing focus - remember it's what you do that matters, not what you say.