I do not think the Democratic powers that be would consider this a failure. I think that their definition of success is "convincing our supporters that we tried to get universal health care coverage."
The corporate ruling class still runs everything, including the Democratic Party. With the shrinking of its main political machine, the GOP, it will not permit the Democrats to run amok, like they did under FDR.
Posted by James E. Powell at June 26, 2009 10:25 AMDid you read Ezra Klein's blog today? He's trying mightily to find a White House strategy on health care--and failing. There is none. The Republicans are sticking to their "big lie a day" game plan. What's Obama doing? I'm sorry, but feel good town hall meetings won't cut it. This is still a blood sport. Too many greedheads have too much money at stake.
(One ray of hope--Hillary Clinton. I don't believe she would have taken her current job without some assurance that Obama would get the job done on health care. Not that she would threaten to resign, but. . .who knows? She's not without influence if the president's spine needs stiffening.)
Posted by Rick at June 26, 2009 11:05 AM