While the mandate is indeed a conservative idea, it was embraced by Clinton before Obama accepted it, and it really is necessary for any attempt at universal coverage to succeed. As for the public option, it was never going to get through this Congress. And while it is not the ideal that many of us hoped for, it has in fact aided millions of Americans, and will help millions more when and if all its parts take effect.
"It does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are 20 gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket, nor breaks my leg."
-- Thomas Jefferson