Where are we today on the healthcare issue?

[kentuck]

One day after the death of Senator Kennedy, will the US Senate look at the health reform issue in a different way? Will the Democrats reward his legacy with the passage of meaningful reform? Will perhaps 2 or 3 Republicans join in support? Will his death change the healthcare debate?

In some way, I think it will. The President would have loved to have presented the Senator with a reform plan before his death but it was not possible. It would have been a great tribute to a man who had worked so hard and long for the American people. Very few people in this country have not been touched by his legislation. By your deeds, you will be known, it says in the Bible of Christians. And we have all been touched by the deeds of Senator Ted Kennedy.

Also, I hope the debate forward will not be as partisan or divisive as before the death of Senator Kennedy. In a way, I think this will be a test of leadership for Barack Obama. Somehow, I think the debate will be different but I can't put my finger on it, just yet.

[ThomWV]

1. Baucus got his wish - 2 major distractions (Kennedy & Holder) have taken the heat off him.

On Edit: Well, the public pressure anyway, I would immagine the White House is leaning on him about as hard as before this week, and I have no idea how severe that pressure might be.