If this were a movie script, it would be rejected for being too unrealistic. But the unbelievable may actually be happning. Tuesday night could see the Democracts actually lose Edward Kennedy’s seat in the Senate, thereby killing his life’s dream of comprehensive healthcare, just when it was inches from the finish line. In doing so, it also promises to torpedo the Obama Presidency and a (short) period of Democrat ascendancy.
Have no doubt, I have big issues with the healthcare bill – both the House and the Senate versions. Neither really tackle the issue of exploding costs, and as anyone who has read this post knows, long term deficits and national debt are a critical concern of mine. But I also know that an advanced industrial country should also be able to take care of its sick. There has to be a solution here.
I also worry about the country having a wounded leadership at a time when it needs to command authority to deal with the critical economic situation (let alone deal with global threats). The President has staked everything on this, and to lose now would be devastating for him and the country.
The Dems need to do more than soul searching about wasting so many lost opportunities in 2009 (or excommunicate Coakley, whose laziness and highhandedness has been breathtaking). In order to save their political credibility, and that of this Adminstration, they are going to have to figure out a way to pass healthcare without that 60th vote.
Stalling tactics just dont seem right.
If the Democrats can’t hold on to Senator Edward Kennedy’s seat on Tuesday night (and i still cant believe i am even thinking this), the House will have no other choice but to vote the exact Senate bill, line by line. The Democratic Party will need Nancy Pelosi to pull off a legislative miracle one more time. And if the Dems cant stick together on this, heaven help them in the midterms.
