Is a Senate health care bill a fait accompli because of backroom deals? Have moderate Democrats followed orders and put aside their deep concerns about state and federal budgets, a public plan, and taxes on the middle class? I think Chait is missing the crucial caveat to the moderates’ willingness to go along. It’s on as long as “they are presented with a bill that can withstand public scrutiny in their home states.” I don’t think either the Hagan bill or the Baucus bill does that.
UPDATE: Maybe I was a little optimistic. More details of secret plans in Congress.
