Who Killed the Public Option?

Who Killed the Public Option?

It seems determined now, regardless of incessant complaints made by congressional Republicans and issues brought forth by liberal Democrats, that the Democratic caucus will attempt to pass both the original Senate bill in the House and a reconsolidated version in both the House and the Senate. Certain elements of health care reform are unable to be passed through reconciliation without sixty votes, for instance, the bill's language on abortions and the public option, as these are not directly related to the budget. Having a viable government-based competition and choice for consumers could have been the best received government program in years. A comprehensive public option would have provided insurance to most, if not all, uninsured Americans.
Who killed the public option? Who is to blame for the future and current absence of competition and protection? Ultimately, the blame lies with for specific groups: congressional Democrats, congressional Republicans, the Obama Administration, and the American media. These factions of American politics are in no way solely blamable for the loss of a useful and imperative government program, yet all contributed to its demise.

Congressional Democrats did not set their legislative aims high enough, were unable to control their caucus, and did not make an attempt to dominate the national debate. Additionally, at town halls Democrats did not respond to their constituants concerns in a manner that clearly explained the facts of the debate. All too willing to make fruitless compromises, Democrats consolidated their original ideals to please a few conservative members of their party and far too many disinterested Republicans.
Congressional Republicans, on the other hand, encouraged obstructionism and propagated misinformation, often through right-wing radical groups. Seemingly unwilling to compromise, few Republicans even engaged with Democrats during the critical stage of the bill being drafted, and none were willing to vote for it.
The Obama Administration, like the Democrats, were weak with their message and unsure of policy aims. By initially staying out of the debate, Obama appeared to have allowed Democrats to consolidate the bill to its current form.
Finally, the media assisted various groups by not checking facts, allowing the propagating of misinformation, and using loaded terms like 'socialism', 'Communism', and 'government takeover'. The media's purpose of unbiased reporting and the perennial fact-checker was not fulfilled, and reporters' public fact-mangling only led to further debate.
These groups are not alone. Others had heavy hands in the death of the public option, like the 'Tea Party', but it is these elected officials and trusted informants who are the most responsible.