Clinton robot Lanny Davis to Michelle: You’re quite partisan, aren’t you?

To cleanse the palate, some light comedy from this morning’s F&F. I’m loath to knock him given his willingness to incur nutroots wrath by admitting he respects the boss, but who’s he trying to kid with his testament to The One’s support for the public option? Read the speech to Congress, he says. Okay, let’s read it:

Now, I have no interest in putting insurance companies out of business. They provide a legitimate service, and employ a lot of our friends and neighbors. I just want to hold them accountable. The insurance reforms that I’ve already mentioned would do just that. But an additional step we can take to keep insurance companies honest is by making a not-for-profit public option available in the insurance exchange. Let me be clear – it would only be an option for those who don’t have insurance. No one would be forced to choose it, and it would not impact those of you who already have insurance. In fact, based on Congressional Budget Office estimates, we believe that less than 5% of Americans would sign up…

It’s worth noting that a strong majority of Americans still favor a public insurance option of the sort I’ve proposed tonight. But its impact shouldn’t be exaggerated – by the left, the right, or the media. It is only one part of my plan, and should not be used as a handy excuse for the usual Washington ideological battles. To my progressive friends, I would remind you that for decades, the driving idea behind reform has been to end insurance company abuses and make coverage affordable for those without it. The public option is only a means to that end – and we should remain open to other ideas that accomplish our ultimate goal. And to my Republican friends, I say that rather than making wild claims about a government takeover of health care, we should work together to address any legitimate concerns you may have.

For example, some have suggested that that the public option go into effect only in those markets where insurance companies are not providing affordable policies. Others propose a co-op or another non-profit entity to administer the plan. These are all constructive ideas worth exploring. But I will not back down on the basic principle that if Americans can’t find affordable coverage, we will provide you with a choice.

Even with the bulliest of bully pulpits, during a nationally televised speech before a joint session, the best he could do was “I like it, but let’s keep an open mind.” In fact, the whole point of that Tribune story I linked a few days ago about his backroom campaign for a government plan is that he refuses to pound the table and demand that Congress include one. Which sounds a lot like voting “present,” doesn’t it?

There’s your background. Now, anyone have Davis’s e-mail address? There’s a card I want to send him.

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