Just as everyone expected, at some point enough pressure was brought on the more conservative Democrat coalition in order to have some face-saving near deal to go into the August recess. The threats that can be brought are obvious since while the conservative Democrats come, in many cases from districts that Bush or McCain carried in the last two general elections, they still cannot survive without Washington's support.The funny thing is that the compromises offered are really the equivalent of putting the deck chairs out on the Titanic a couple of hours before it sank- but it lets the Democrats go home to tell their liberal constituents that they have something on the table and the conservative ones to act like they have accomplished a great feat.
There appear to have been some trade-offs concerning spending in certain areas which may very well turn out to be key districts for the conservative holdouts; time examination will tell on that topic. The irony of the situation is that while the changes that appear to have been made to not have much effect on this poison pill except stretch out the suffering somewhat longer for the healthcare systems demise, it is angering the ultraliberal wing of the Democrats.
My dimestore analysis of what the conservative Democrats are up to is that at least a few of them don't want to vote for this bill and figure by reaching a near agreement and sending everyone home for the recess other Democrats will get pounded by their constituents so that when they come back in September they will be able to restart negotiations to get it passed by Congress as a whole. So if you're reading this try writing, e-mailing or telephoning your congressman and even your governor's office, as many governors who have supported this are getting weakened by the public's dissatisfaction.
If this is done properly, September could bring a real change to this Bill.
