I fault Reid and Pelosi for not coordinating better to sumultaineously write and pass something both houses could agree on. Pelosi knew full well the public option wouldn’t pass the Sentate.

If it comes down to any one issue, whether Obama is reelected will come down to the state of the economy far more than whether he passes health care reform. Failing to reform health care didn’t keep other presidents before him from getting reelected.

I still be something will be passed so he can show he did something on the issue, even if he has to scale it back. In terms of  public approval, he might actually do better with something described as scaled back since most people don’t understand what is in the bill and what needs to be done.

I believe Obama has conviction with regards to fixing many of the problems in health care. He has often addressed the problems many of us face, including those without insurance and those of us who are stuck buying insurance on the individual market. His plans would provide for a considerable improvement in the situation for us.

I also agree that politically the strategy has largely been to get something passed, being willing to compromise on may aspects to get the victory. There have been many mixed signals as to how far he is willing to compromise on certain parts.

This is partially due to a recognition of how difficult it would be to get health care reform passed, figuring that improvements could be made once the changes are begun. However I can also see how this would lead to you viewing it as you do.