The political will is there on one side of the Hill for comprehensive healthcare reform. Greg Sargent talks to Dem House whip James Clyburn:
"I feel certain that the House Democrats will pass health care reform if the fixes that we feel need to be made to the Senate bill are guaranteed," Clyburn said. Asked directly if the House votes would be there if this happened, Clyburn said: "Yes, sir."
Clyburn’s comments suggest that if Dem leaders figure out a way of demonstrating to House Democrats that the reconciliation fix is iron-clad, they could support the Senate bill in large enough numbers to pass.
Clyburn cautioned, however, that House Dems would have to be convinced of the veracity of the fix, citing the "natural distrust between the two bodies." He added that House Dems would want to see the fix address their opposition to the "Cadillac" tax, to state-based exchanges, and to various sweetheart deals for Senators.
Clyburn called on the President to use his clout and prestige to urge Congressional Dems to follow this course of action during tomorrow’s speech.
Meanwhile, the Senate Dems reportedly didn't talk about reform at their weekly luncheon today. Ignoring the issue won't make it go away, and not passing this bill will only make the Republicans happy. We've got a solution that has gained significant support and could work, if the political will exists in the Senate to do it. Are the ConservaDems going to win another one?