This isn't much of a diary, and it's an extension of others, but I just feel strongly this needs as much exposure as possible.
Am I wrong, or could this simple but genius line from Josh Marshall over at TPM be the path to victory? Is there enough time?
Plan:
Get the pollsters (KOS, I'm talking to you) to ask a slight variant of what Josh asked.
Namely, "Would you mind adding an option to buy into Medicare before you turn 65?"
I inserted the "would you mind adding", comment for the benefit of sane Republicans. One does not have to necessarily "like" it to be in favor of it. Josh used the term "like" in his question which could exclude some that don't want it for themselves but are fine if others want it.
I bet you get 75 to 80% in favor of that question. Forget "government" forget "public", way too scary for some.
And after you get poll numbers like that...
Obama can move forward with the task of telling the Senate to allow people into Medicare early. Tell em to make it happen. However they want to do it is fine with him but will veto anything that does not get that done. He would win. They would come up with another name for it, like "MedicareMe" (so Republicans can keep their chins up) but it would be the Public Option in reality.
Every time the right screams it is terrible, every time Obama can answer with "80%".
WE HAVE BEEN ASKING THE WRONG QUESTION
KOS, ALL OTHER's do this poll please.