Is it possible that Rahm made the 'trigger' comment to get a response from Obama and the Dems?

[Dawgs]

If not, it sure produced the right reaction.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/7/8/751106/-Lets-Thank-Our-Progressives-In-Fight-For-The-Public-Option!

Progressive Caucus Co-Chairwoman Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.) warned Emanuel that he would lose the caucus’ votes if the White House compromised on the issue and included a "trigger" that could delay a public insurance plan indefinitely. The trigger idea is backed by conservative Democrats but is anathema to liberals.

"We have compromised enough, and we are not going to compromise on any kind of trigger game," Woolsey said she told Emanuel. "People clapped all over the place. We mean it, and not just progressives."

[NYCGirl]

1. Could be a "good cop, bad cop" tactic. NT

[BanzaiBonnie]

9. I agree with that thought

Thom Hartmann also mentioned this on his show a few times.

Obama is playing the long game of chess. Every move is carefully planned to elicit a particular response.

[MNDemNY]

2. Aah yes, the "chess" theory. Again.

[MarjorieG]

3. Entire conversation is between ConservaDems and more progressive, leaving GOP out.

Elect only a Dem for every flavor strategy, maybe.

[Kittycat]

4. To turn up the pressure by mobilizing the grass roots,

and forcing the Dems to put their foot down.

[DrToast]

5. I don't think Rahm expected what he said to be such a big deal

I'm kind of surprised, too. What he said wasn't any different than what Obama had been saying.

The difference here was that the WSJ portrayed it as something different. Then the left-leaning blogs ran with it and it pissed off a bunch of people.

[justiceischeap]

6. I watched Milk last night

And this kind of reminds of a scene from that movie. They were trying to get press and bring Anita Bryant's fight to CA (Prop 6). So, Harvey Milk had one of his "followers" gather the angry mob and march them to City Hall, where he'd be conveniently waiting to quell the "mob." It worked, it got national exposure and set-up the debates between Milk and Briggs and turning the tide on Prop 6.

Sometimes politicians play the margins to get the desired result.

[Beetwasher]

8. Yup, Politicians (Smart One's) Manipulate People All The Time

Politics IS manipulation. To think this sort of thing doesn't happen is to be incredibly naive.

And Obama and Rahm ain't stupid.

[Beetwasher]

7. It Sure Did Rile People Up!

And draw attention to the issue! He's quite the lightning rod, isn't he?