Democrats in the U-S Senate appear to be moving toward a health reform bill that would not include a government-run "public option" insurance program. Under the tentative compromise, the federal government would instead negotiate with private insurers to provide non-profit health insurance plans. The compromise would also allow people aged 55 to 64 to "buy into" Medicare. But even if the Senate approves the deal, it would still need to be reconciled with the House-passed version of the bill, which includes a public option. Minnesota DFL Congressman Keith Ellison is an outspoken supporter of the public option, and he joins MPR’s Cathy Wurzer to discuss the subject.

Ellison also discusses his concerns over Afghanistan.