Why Even Have The Meeting

I didn't get to see it live, but I watched lots of highlights from yesterdays Healthcare Reform Summit and have come to the following conclusion - what was the goddamned point?

Obama has done everything to try and appease the unappeasable know-nothings that make up the Republican party. Conservatives across the country care more about clinging to debunked talking points and cherry-picking seemingly negative aspects from CBO scores and being spoon-fed fear and conjecture from the likes of Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, and Rush Limbaugh.

Obama was asked to a televised forum.

Done.

He was asked to provide a format.

Done.

He was then asked to provide his own plan.

Done.

So what did Republicans do? What they always do - find a way to complain about this that carries the narratives that Obama is going to do what he wants regardless of what Republicans want and what they claim their electorate wants. Republicans can't let this legislation pass, as it will be successful and they can't be seen as losers.

What Obama should do now is pass this through reconciliation and damn whatever Republicans have to say about it. If they aren't on board, fuck 'em.