Reply #23: Actually I think my personal position is not that far from yours

[Tom Rinaldo]

I have not expressed any anger at the White House over the Health Care Reform issue, neither here nor anywhere else. But for that matter I haven't expressed anger at Senator Reid or Speaker Pelosi either. I won't say that I have been let down by our Democratic leadership unless and until the ink is dry on a final deal that I am really unhappy with. There's still a good chance that what emerges as an end product will at least meet my minimal expectations.

What I do feel free to share either in public or directly to the major players involved is my deep level of concern about the need to get this health care reform right, which in my opinion includes the need for a viable public option to be included in that reform. For some other people their concern may come out more as an expression of disappointment in the type of leadership they see, or don't see displayed, in their opinion so far. If so I don't see that as a big problem for Obama, or even Harry Reid for that matter (although in his case activists, union and otherwise, are already going over his head in ads that complain about his leadership to his constituents who will be voting on him next year).

Questions about the leadership ability of any political leader are always finally resolved by results delivered. Accusations prove hollow if they come up false. If Democrats manage to deliver quality health care reform for America this year, I bet you most people who are griping about Harry Reid now will feel a whole lot better about his leadership after the fact. And the same goes for those who question Obama on this matter now.

My major difference with you seems to me at first glance to be this. I think it better that people voice their sincere concerns and even frustrations if they have them directly to our elected Democratic leaders before everything is already a done deal, not just when it is too late for any changes to be made. I have been open here at DU about stating that I am reserving judgement on pretty much the entire Democratic Party leadership regarding their work for health care reform, keeping an open mind until the ball stops moving and we know what we end up with. But if people are worried about what they think they currently see happening better to put it on the table now where our leaders can take those sentiments into account however they see fit, before all the final decisions are made.

P.S. Whether or not we personally end up finding any common ground on this, I appreciate the time you have taken to seriously discuss your views on this with me. Thanks.