Is The Public Option Dead Again?

Politico reports today that White House aides have revealed that President Obama does indeed plan to back away from the public option portion of his health care reform plan when Congress returns from its summer recess today

Obama’s willingness to forgo the public option is sure to anger his party’s liberal base. But some administration officials welcome a showdown with liberal lawmakers if they argue they would rather have no health care law than an incremental one. The confrontation would allow Obama to show he is willing to stare down his own party to get things done. “We have been saying all along that the most important part of this debate is not the public option, but rather ensuring choice and competition,” an aide said. “There are lots of different ways to get there.” The timing, format, venue and content of Obama's presentation are still being debated in the West Wing. Aides have discussed whether to stick to broad principles, or to send specific legislative language to Capitol Hill. Some hybrid is likely, the officials said.

"Some hybrid." In other words, the deathers are probably going to get their way.

RELATED: The AFL-CIO says they will not support any reform bill that doesn't include the public option.