Is it possible for the (weakened) Public Option to survive with reconciliation?

[bugfragged]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8422549.stm

Even if its possible, it's hard to be optimistic about it.

[dkf]

1. Nope. Ben Nelson says unless it looks like the senate bill he is out.

[librechik]

3. reconciliation means we only need 50 votes--Nelson would be irrelevant

Just make it a Budget Bill, fund Medicare Expansion to age zero and pass it with 50 votes and Biden

[dkf]

6. Oh you mean the Howard dean method.

Yeah I am totally cool with that

[Robbien]

2. Nope.

Bills always get better for lobbyists when they go into conference. Secret behind closed doors negotiations are lobbyists' wet dreams.

As bad as the bill is now, it will be worse after conference.

[quiller4]

4. Not likely and bill is probably better without it.

[coti]

5. WTH? nt