Wednesday opinionating, with a dash of news.
Thomas Friedman:
Have no illusions, the rest of the world was watching our health care debate very closely, waiting to see who would be the strong horse — Obama or his Democratic and Republican health care opponents? At every turn in the debate, America’s enemies and rivals were gauging what the outcome might mean for their own ability to push around an untested U.S. president.
It remains to be seen whether, in the long run, America will be made physically healthier by the bill’s passage. But, in the short run, Obama definitely was made geopolitically healthier.
That's very funny, because it's exactly how pundits react. It's why Bush got a pass for so many years from the Heathers in the press. Friedman was no exception.
Dave Weigel documents how Drudge is trying to change the subject on Goldman Sachs, suggesting:
Want to know whether conservatives are fretting about the effect the Goldman Sachs story could have on the financial reform debate? Check out Drudge.
But you don't need to check out Drudge, just check out Weigel. Goldman Sachs is doing to financial reform what big rate hikes did for health reform - help Democrats get a bill passed. Don't believe it? See next entries:
WaPo:
Key Senate Republicans on Tuesday began to back away from their sharp criticism of proposed new financial regulations and expressed optimism that a bipartisan deal on a bill that would drastically change the way Wall Street operates could emerge in the coming days.
Harold Meyerson:
The Goldman Sachs scandal has done the unthinkable: It's made it possible that legislation reining in Wall Street's casino may actually be enacted.
Unfinished Business
Tribune Washington Bureau:
Congressional Democrats have begun pushing legislation giving government regulators greater authority to block big increases in health insurance premiums, kicking off what is expected to be a years-long process of revising and expanding their major health care overhaul.
The move, which comes less than a month after President Barack Obama signed the health care legislation, is aimed at giving all states the power to stop premium hikes deemed excessive and allowing the federal government to step in if the states don't act.
Filibuster that.
Kaiser health news:
Some Health Insurers Move To Cover Kids Up To Age 26 Even Earlier Than Law Requires
Summary from various news sources. Funny what a little pressure from the WH can do.