Emanuel Cleaver II is must-see-teevee.

Mentioning some of those who have taken the pledge already when you call the offices of those who are “leaning” might be helpful, especially if there’s a connection between the members.

For example . . .

“Rep Lee, Lynn Woolsey and Maxine Waters have pledged not to vote for a bill that does not contain a public option, available to everyone on day one. Won’t you join them — and us — in standing for real health care reform?”

“Rep Waxman, Jerrold Nadler and you have both been around DC a long time, and you both know how the system works. Rep Nadler has agreed that Democrats have to stand firm for a public option, available to all on day one, or real reform is not going to happen. Won’t you join him — and us — in pledging to vote against any bill without such provisions?”

Not sure you saw this from blue dog Loretta Sanchez endorsing public option
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/…..rinciples/

Good catch, Mike.

Did you see the update that has a link to The Hill:

Band of House centrists offers support for ‘robust’ public health insurance plan

Isn’t it amazing getting 10% of the elected representatives to vote for legislation backed by 76% of the people isn’t a gimme? I’m diggin’ the fire-doggedness of this group.

Take more names
Kick more asses!

Bill Moyers’ Journal tonight:

Former CIGNA vice president Wendell Potter on health-insurance companies and heath-care reform.

I received an email from Jackie Speier today, in response to my phone call yesterday, with this statement:

First, we must create a system that ensures coverage for every American and provides care in a smart, efficient and effective manner….

Second, we must bring medical records into the 21st Century….

Third, I believe a public plan option is a necessary part of any reform package. The administrative costs built into private health care plans have made quality insurance unaffordable for too many Americans. A public plan option will increase competition in the marketplace while offering consumers even more choice than before.

Finally, I believe employers must continue to share responsibility for quality employee health coverage….

I sent a facebook message to Congressman Michaud’s Chief of Staff. in my email i expressed my displeasure with Rep. Michaud signing the Blue Dog letter.

Here is his response:

I just got your email on facebook to my personal phone during what I had hoped would be a nice dinner after a long week. My work email is xxxxxxxxx where should feel free to email me about healthcare.

I am so upset about this I came outside to respond.

to paraphrase,

Just because he signed the Blue Dog letter doesn’t mean he doesn’t support the public option… he has always supported the public option and we have said so numerous times in speeches, statements and press releases. i should call him at work to discuss healthcare.

i will be calling him and the congressman to see if he will support the ‘pledge.’

I’ve been calling but the hard point to make with Rangel and Hinchey is that just because you’re for the Public Option, doesn’t mean you’re against phony health care legislation UNLESS YOU TAKE THE PLEDGE.

They don’t want to take our side in this fight. Nadler deserves a lot of credit for coming over early on this.