We keep hearing that the president can’t get his health care reform without the support of conservative Democrats in the Senate, but he also can’t pass anything without progressives in the House, who are none too happy with the administration’s hints that a public option could be dead.

Rep. Raul Grijalva, co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus, drew a line in the sand: “Our position has not, and will not, change. … I will not support any bill that does not include a public option.”

Rep. Barbara Lee said, “The Congressional Black Caucus remains committed to ensuring that health reform is meaningful, and that means making sure that a public option is part of the package.”

The White House is still spinning, though, as of Monday, to the left. Linda Douglass, director of communications for the Office of Health Reform, said in a statement: “The president has always said that what is essential is that health insurance reform must lower costs, ensure that there are affordable options for all Americans, and it must increase choice and competition in the health insurance market. … He believes the public option is the best way to achieve those goals.” — PS

Read AP on the liberal backlash Read CNN on the White House response

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#barack obama#congress#democrats#health#health care#house of representatives#liberal#politics#progressive#public option#senate#white house