Rethinking the Health Care Reform Bill

The New York Times has an interesting story on the efforts of congressional Democrats to salvage health care reform after Tuesday's election in Massachusetts, which led to the loss of their filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. One approach being considered is to pass a less comprehensive bill that would include the elements of reform that have the broadest appeal, but at the cost of providing coverage to fewer people.

For a story that highlights the internal divisions and difficulties that the Democrats face, see this item from TalkingPointsMemo, which has been doing extensive reporting on this issue.

Many health care experts are urging Congress to push ahead and pass a comprehensive health care reform bill now. But a new poll suggests that most Americans believe that Congress should "drop health care reform and focus on more immediate ways to improve the economy and create jobs."