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Public Option, Kristin Dolbeare, Nora Heaton, Ellen Thomas, Peter E. Visser

Ellen Thomas

American health care woes are no new phenomena, and recent history demonstrates the intensity of the concomitant debate that arises following the proposal of a new system or a special new element-namely, the public insurance option. Early in his tenure, President Clinton dared to undertake daunting reform efforts (including the creation of a public insurance option). Many argue that losing the health care battle hampered Clinton's ability to effectively lead and will damage his long-term reputation. Barack Obama is now deep in the same trenches, and both Democrats and Republicans have begun asking questions: Is it too expensive?; Is it …