Yes, giving up the public option just whets their appetites. The Republicans smell blood in the water.

Rahm has done so well, right? Obama's unwillingness to fight has been so successful. Yep, Baucus really knows how to negotiate.

Bipartisanship means letting Republicans win. Once again, Democrats get sand kicked in their face and smile.

I'm sick and tired of working for politicians who won't fight for working people. No contributions, no work, except for progressives. None.

Update I: Senator Feingold:

"A public option is a fundamental part of ensuring health care reform brings about real change. Opposing the public plan is an endorsement of the status quo in this country that has left tens of millions of Americans uninsured or underinsured and put massive burdens on employers. I have heard too many horror stories from my constituents about how the so-called competitive marketplace has denied them coverage from the outset, offered a benefit plan that covers everything but what they need or failed them some other way. A strong public option would ensure competition in the industry to provide the best, most affordable insurance for Americans and bring down the skyrocketing health care costs that are the biggest contributor to our long-term budget deficits. I am not interested in passing health care reform in name only. Without a public option, I don't see how we will bring real change to a system that has made good health care a privilege for those who can afford it."

Feingold Statement on Public Option

Update II: Pelosi stands firm:

Pelosi Statement on Public Option

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on health insurance reform legislation pending before Congress: