| Another reason to get vaccinated: Biden warns of 'potentially deadlier' delta variant Biden on Friday pleaded with Americans who have not yet gotten vaccinated against COVID-19 to do so as soon as possible, citing the danger posed by the new delta variant. "Even while we're making incredible progress, it remains a serious and deadly threat," Biden said in remarks from the White House, saying that the new variant leaves unvaccinated people "even more vulnerable than they were a month ago." "It's a variant that is more easily transmissible, potentially deadlier and particularly dangerous for young people, but the good news is we have the solution," Biden continued, adding that the "science and the data are clear" that vaccines are the most effective form of protection against the variant. Background: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky said earlier Friday that the delta variant would likely become the dominant strain in the U.S. over the next two or three months. The variant is the most contagious yet and more likely to cause severe illness in those who have not been vaccinated. The delta variant has become the dominant strain in the U.K., overtaking the alpha strain earlier this month. Earlier this week, WHO said the delta strain has spread to at least 80 countries. Read more here. But almost half of unvaccinated people say they will definitely not get the vaccine The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll determined that 46 percent of the unvaccinated said they will definitely not get the vaccine and 29 percent said they will probably not get the vaccine. Those who are most hesitant to get the coronavirus vaccine include white evangelicals, Republicans, rural Americans, young adults and those without college degrees. Only 7 percent of those who are not vaccinated said they definitely will get the shot and 15 percent say they probably will, according to the poll. Biden and other officials have stressed the need to reach out to Americans who are hesitant to get vaccinated as the number of daily vaccinations in the U.S. has slowed since April. States have been opening up vaccine lotteries and giving out cash prizes as incentives for their residents to get the vaccine. Read more here. What happened to the public option? It's mostly fallen off the national radar, despite being a major point of contention between moderates and progressives just a year ago during President Biden's campaign. But rather than holding Biden's feet to the fire on the issue, progressives are concentrating on other health care priorities, like ensuring drug pricing reform and expanded Medicare are included in a massive infrastructure package. "Crafting a public option is much more difficult than lowering the Medicare eligibility age and expanding benefits," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. "That's where we are going to focus our attention at this moment. That doesn't mean we've given up on the rest of the pieces. But I do think at this moment what we can immediately do is lower the Medicare eligibility age, add benefits and address prescription drug pricing," Jayapal said. Long-term process: Outside advocates and Democrats say they haven't given up on pursuing a government-run health care plan, but there's an acknowledgement that a lot of legislative legwork is needed on that front. Read more here. | 
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