Sorry, Bobert.   It just doesn't work that way.    The Democrats could already paint the Republicans as obstructionists.

But either you get legislation through or you are seen as incompetent.

And don't be spooked by "polls" saying that supposedly 46% of the electorate is against this bill. We don't know the exact wording of such polls--and that makes a difference.

Also, the "46%" reflects not only Republican nay-saying but also Democratic bitterness that there is no public option in the the bill and that there is language, as I understand it, that restricts Federal funding for abortions.

There is good stuff in the bill--even the Senate bill, which is the one which must be accepted, as is, by the House. For one thing it ends the insurance firm practice of denying people because of pre-existing conditions. And there are other items--which the Democrats can run on.

Also, is there a trigger mechanism for public option now in the bill or not?

They can't spend all this time and energy and just walk away now, without telegraphing that--with majorities in the House and Senate, and a Democratic president--- they can't govern.

Remember those famous political analysts, the Stones:   "You can't always get what you want.      ...But if...."


You can try to get everything you want in a bill.   But if the votes for all your wishes aren't there, you need to work on the voters for later legislation.

And remember, there is still is desire for health-care reform---not least from President Obama, who has made it a key issue.   As it should be.

They need to pass what they can, and go on to employment issues, etc.