Giffords votes for cap and trade. Now, health care?

by David Safier
I got a news release from Giffords trumpeting her Yes vote on the energy bill that just passed the house. A good vote, but not a surprise. Energy is Giffords' signature issue.

But her position on health care legislation is still up in the air. Mike Bryan took apart the hybrid health care plan put out by the Third Way. Does Giffords support this watered down plan, or does she support a strong public option?

Earlier this year, an hour before the house vote on the budget bill, Giffords called me personally to let me know she was voting for Obama's budget, sending a message to her progressive supporters that she was making the tough choice and doing the right thing. I dutifully put the information on BfA and complimented her decision to support Obama and the needs of the country.

She'll get no compliments from me this time for a just-before-the-vote phone call. Democrats like Giffords need to rally behind a serious public option early and forcefully to guarantee a strongly worded bill.

A friend sent a letter to Giffords making a point that's usually overlooked. If it looks like Obama has failed to fulfill his campaign promises, including health care reform, the Democrats who will suffer from the backlash will be those in districts like Giffords'. Dems in solid Democratic districts will be reelected no matter what. Giffords' fate rests on the success Obama has in getting through the Change he promised. When the Change is something as popular as the public option, Giffords should be shouting her support from the rooftops, not watching from the sidelines, waiting until she thinks it's safe to take a stand.

I think it would be smart politically for Giffords to come out in favor of a public option now. But even if it's risky, she has to step forward. Since FDR, we've missed our chances at comprehensive health care reform. We can't afford to miss it again. This is too important for politics as usual.