So, David Axelrod says we should have an up-or-down vote on health care reform. And he's right. We should.
I think the American people believe in the principle, as was articulated by many Republicans on many issues along the way, in majority rule. All they want is an up-or-down vote. And they want to move on.
Let’s have a vote. Let’s finish this debate. Let’s have an up- or-down vote. Let’s not use procedural blocks to keep us from having an up-or-down vote. I think the American people say, you know what, let the vote be held. Let the majority rule and let’s move on.
Now, how about the public option, Mr. Axelrod?
The public option is more popular than the Senate plan. It could even help with this year's elections. And it's also the best option out there, if you care about things like denial of treatment.
Twenty-four Senators have signed the letter urging a vote on the public option, via reconciliation. And surprising things sometimes happen when you actually take a vote.
Maybe it will fail. On the other hand, maybe enough Senators will decide that they don't want to be on the wrong side of history. Particularly in an election year. But we won't know if there's no vote. On the record. Up or down. The public option.
Does the president really want a public option? Then why not call for a vote on it? Isn't it better to try and not succeed than not to try at all?
I think the American people say, you know what, let the vote be held. Let the majority rule and let’s move on.
Mr. Axelrod?