At a rally Sunday night in St. Louis, a crowd of about 1,500 people urged Congressman Russ Carnahan to push for inclusion of a Public Option, even as the congressman seemed to signal flexibility in his own voting options. The rally was planned by Organizing for America as part of an 11-city bus tour promoting its campaign of Health Insurance Reform Now.

While Carnahan urged supporters to stay involved as the reform battle enters its final stages, he also seemed to be preparing the crowd for something less than the Public Option he often has said he supports.

"We're not going to get anything done if we can't get a bill to the president's desk," Carnahan told the crowd. "So we're going to have to be pragmatic, we're going to have to be tough, and again, give this issue the debate it deserves."

But the 1,500 who came to hear about reform efforts were having none of the nuance. Although Carnahan never mentioned it by name, some in the crowd spontaneously shouted "Public Option!" from time to time as he spoke. And when the next speaker mentioned the Public Option, the crowd erupted as one in a deafening cheer.

About 100 Tea Party protesters across the street withdrew early after using bullhorns and an air horn in fruitless efforts to interrupt the rally.

There are many good videos of this event available on YouTube from other people who attended. I recommend listening to labor leader Robert Soutier's message for health care opponents. It's particularly firm and heartening for reform advocates.

Below is some video of the event that I recorded. It shows Lewis Reed, president of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, reminding Republicans of a pet phrase they've often used. Only Reed actually makes it mean something.

WARNING: The sound in my video is LOUD and clipped. Turn your speakers down.