RETREAT:"TEAM OBAMA DROPS 'PUBLIC OPTION'"

Former Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean, a leading figure in the liberal wing of his party, said Monday he doubts there can be meaningful health care reform without a direct government role....
--Government-Run Insurance Plan 'Not Essential'...
--Dem: Bill without public option 'would be very, very difficult'...
--Armey: Hyped up outbreak of swine flu could 'scare bed-wetters to vote for healthcare reform'...
--Canada's top doctor: Health care system 'imploding'... 'We all agree that things are more precarious than perhaps Canadians realize'...