Las Vegas Sun

February 12, 2012

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Health reform will pass because president wants it

Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009 | 2:02 a.m.

For months, Americans have followed the antics of Congress to pass President Barack Obama’s health care reform. Democrats blame Republicans, the party of “No,” for the apparent failure.

But wait.

The House passed a health care bill narrowly in November after White House wheeling and dealing with two Democrats who were opposed. Why can’t Senate Democrats?

The Senate has 58 Democrats and two independents who caucus with them. Obama recently invited those 60 senators to the White House to tell them to get their political act together and pass something, anything, by Christmas.

What’s the problem?

Senate Democrats have their sights on the 2010 elections. Support for the Democratic Party is slumping amid a wave of discontent, underscoring how dramatically the political landscape has changed during the Obama administration’s first year.

The electorate is split when asked which party should be in charge after the 2010 elections. Previously, a clear plurality favored Democratic control.

What will Senate Democrats do? Despite the feelings of Americans, Obama will get his way.

The Senate will pass something, anything, before Christmas because Obama wants it.

In January, when the House and Senate return after the holidays to resume the people’s work, the two health care bills will go to conference.

The House, under the auspices of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, will roll over and adopt the Senate version. A unified health care bill will go to the White House for the president’s signature before he gives the State of the Union address on Jan. 20. Then the campaigning for the 2010 elections start.

How will Americans vote?

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