Now that the White House has deliberatel elevated Conrad’s Co-ops as the key to insurance industry reform, the NYT finally asks how the co-ops could do the job. Answer: they can’t, but it’s worse than that.

Howard Dean has done a lot in his 60 years. He’s been the Governor of Vermont, a candidate for President, and the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. However, many don’t realize that he’s was also a practicing physician.

Yet, as the health care reform battle roared back to the national stage this year, Howard Dean’s experience as a doctor was suddenly more than a stump speech slogan. Dr. Dean, with experience in politics and medicine, was uniquely positioned to inform the national debate on not only health reform, but health care itself.

If you didn’t get a chance to see it, there was a panel at Netroots Nation where I discussed the netroots battle for the public plan with Chris Bowers of Open Left, Kagro X of Congress Matters, McJoan of Daily Kos and Darcy Burner.

Thanks, Allen.

Co-ops were designed by Kent Conrad to be able to scratch the “public option” itch and make the insurance industry happy at the same time. Note to Ed: You’re in a D+4 district.

It sounds like Chris Christie’s loan to an AUSA in his office ought to count as a gift under federal ethics laws.

Shorter Nita: reform is so important, she will vote for any bill including the word “reform.”

We’ve been working since June 23 to get progressive members of the House to draw a line in the sand on health care: no public option, no health care bill.

Yesterday 60 members did just that when they sent a letter to Kathleen Sibelius saying they would stick together through conference, all the way to the bitter end, to oppose any bill that does not have a public plan.

Marc Ambinder is

So, health care is being held up by a coalition of dastardly forces known as Blue Dogs, AHIP-sters, golden parachuted profit-sharing millionaire lobbyist-wielders.

And six self-important ginormous ego goobers in the Senate, including the ever-charming Chuck Grassley. All of whom who apparently feast on chocolate covered potato chips on the public’s time.

Where did progressives find their spine? See Hamsher, Jane.