Appearing on CNBC today, Senate Finance Committee member Olympia Snowe (R-ME) had some very flattering things to say about President Obama and his approach to health care--particularly with respect to his willingness to compromise on the public option and other issues.

"He's been very realistic in his views on health care," she said. "And he understands that there are fundamental differences and disparate views and how controversial they can be. The fact is, I've gotten the impression he would probably do less than more."

On the public option, she added "I've sensed from the outset that he might be far more flexible on that question."

Many months ago when I had an initial discussion with him on health care itself.

But also, in the ensuing conversations, he has seemed to, you know, understand others' views. He obviously puts it forward, because that's been his position. But I think he's always indicated a willingness to be flexible on this and other issues, and taking into account, you know, different views on the subject.... [H]e certainly was more than willing to listen to my views.

We've known for a long time now that Snowe has been in discussions with the administration and Democratic leaders--but it seems that the President has left quite the impression on her. She has long been a proponent of a triggered public option, which explains, in part, why that measure has been the focus of so much discussion the last couple weeks. Separately--and promisingly for liberals--she's also an advocate of expanding subsidies to help middle class people buy insurance, though she's suggested she wants a bill with a low price tag, and it's hard to square those two desires.

Less promisingly, she's also reportedly a proponent of one of the very worst policies in the Senate Finance Committee's legislation.