Despite unrelenting attacks from GOP, public support for the public option stays strong (although Team Obama ignores the numbers)

Despite the hammering the issue has taken from Republicans and too many Democrats over the summer, the public option still polls strong according to the latest Research 2000 poll for DailyKos. When asked "Do you favor or oppose creating a government-administered health insurance option that anyone can purchase to compete with private insurance plans?" 58% responded yes. 34% responded no and eight percent were undecided. From Markos:

The public option remains popular, by a nearly 3-2 margin. Seems like people like the idea of competition in the insurance market, that would help lower premiums and keep currently unaccountable insurance companies honest.

What's more, the public option is favored by over a quarter of self-identified Republicans, which is more "bipartisanship" than you'll ever see in DC.

Yep. Strong public support. Imagine if we had a president who actually used his oratorical skills and bully pulpit to push for something that most Americans want. Just imagine that.

Forget what the public wants. We've got a President who is caving to conservative Democrats and the intransigent Republicans. In fact, we learn via Greg Sargent, that the White House sent a memo to the Hill on health insurance reform with all kinds of polling info., but left out the good numbers on the public option:

Okay, so the White House is circulating an upbeat polling memo citing a bunch of public surveys showing that public opinion still tilts heavily in Obama’s favor on health care.

The memo, by Obama pollster Joel Benenson, doesn’t mention the public option (the White House may not be committed to it) and largely cites general numbers showing support for action and for Obama’s plan.

But here’s the funny thing: We went back and checked, and virtually every poll cited in this memo also found strong support for the inclusion of a public plan.

Funny thing, indeed. No mention of the public option. What a coincidence.

The public option polls at around 60% and Obama won't fight for it. There's a pattern here. The repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell polls well, too, but Obama won't fight for it.

What does it take to get this White House to fight for something? Apparently, instead of checking public opinion or Obama's campaign commitments, one has to see what Republicans and conservative Democrats think. Because if Republicans don't like it, it's not bipartisan. And, we're learning that's what sets the agenda for the Obama administration.