Yes, I know, the graveyards are filled with them etc., etc.
But I am pretty convinced that the absence or incapacity of certain people at key moments can change history.
I worry that, with respect to health care reform, Ted Kennedy's illness could be one of those instances, which I find heartbreaking given his virtually lifelong devotion to the issue. There is no doubt in my mind that a healthy Kennedy would be the driving force behind health care in the Senate. And given his historical track record in other areas, I believe he would make this happen. However, with him on the sidelines, our fate falls largely into the hands of the dubious Max Baucus, a man whose lack of political courage is legendary. The Finance Committee, chaired by Baucus, has eclipsed the HELP Committee, which Kennedy chairs, in terms of shaping the legislative agenda. It is like having a charge led by a capybara rather than a lion. [Update - the HELP Committee today approved a health care reform bill by party line vote after approving 160 Republican sponsored amendments to the bill. This is a classic example of being suckered -- why approve any of their amendments if you are not going to get any of their votes? And this is the committee that I thought had more backbone. Oy! Not sure of the substance of the amendments, but I have a hard time believing that they enhanced the quality of the bill.]
The Finance Committee has a 13-10 Democratic to Republican advantage -- and one of those Republicans is Olympia Snowe. If Baucus had even a microscopic set of balls and brains (and a conscience of similar size) getting a decent plan home should be child's play. Obama should lean on him 24/7 if necessary to get a bill through that is comparable to the House version. If nothing else, the Dems owe this to Ted Kennedy.