Time for Obama to take charge

In order to deliver on healthcare, there are three things Obama needs to do. First, he has to remember who’s in charge. He is. Not Joe Lieberman or Ben Nelson.

Second, he has to remember who got him where he is. Not the insurance companies, but the American people. And they’re the ones he ought to be fighting for.

Third, he’s got to push House and Senate conferees for the strongest healthcare reform bill possible. And there’s only one way to do that: for the president himself to take an active, hands-on leadership role. Invite the conferees to the White House. Lead the negotiations himself. After all, it’s hard to say no to the president of the United States.

And, finally, delivering on a campaign promise, he should invite C-SPAN in to carry the final negotiations live — so all the American people can see what deals are being made and who’s standing in the way.

The fight for a strong healthcare bill is not over yet. The fight for a public plan option is not over yet. But it’s up to Barack Obama alone whether or not we ever get there.

Visit Mr. Press’s website at billpressshow.com.