A pretty substantial changethat should ease the abortion issue as a potential roadblock on the health care reform bill:
Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., who last week insisted that the Senate health care bill include tight restrictions passed by the House on the use of federal money for abortion coverage, now says he would be satisfied with the less restrictive language approved by the Senate Finance Committee.
One of the clear reasons why this change came about is the stark statement of opposition from the White House to any Stupak-like language in the final bill, and likely some behind-the-scenes arm twisting.
What's the surest sign that something got to Nelson? This:
Nelson said his position has been consistent, but said he misunderstood a reporter's question on the issue last week.
The old "I've been consistent but misunderstood a question" line means you changed your position and someone got to you.
And, in a broader macro sense the good news here is that Nelson, for all his posturing, is not interested in "de-railing healthcare".
He's still dealing, he's still at the table, and in this instance - after publicly touting his stance - he very quietly caved in the end, keeping the bill very much alive and moving forward.
Good news.