The sparring on Health Reform continues. Moved from mob scenes to bitter verbal wars on whether health care is a right or privilege the “naysayers” seem to be winning the moment. At this stage of the game, its relevant to ask … who wins this debate? Senators Baucaus? Grassley?

Dominant and aggressive in their arguments against reform many wonder if the President has a chance to win on pushing this legislation; although a recent poll showed that a large percent (76) of Americans want to see reform and with a Public Option. Clearly the month of August, has proved to more than a time to take it easy on a beach somewhere. President Obama reassures his troops (Organizing for America) there are no reasons to believe the battle is over for real reform, although many question if a ‘watered-down’ bill will emerge, as the answer. If that occurs it would be meaningless to those anticipating real change in the health care system. Yet, a great deal is being said by the Democrats… but lacks clarity.

I say its time for the Democrats to forge ahead on this piece of legislation, using what rules exist (reconciliation) — whatever with votes they can ‘count on’ to make reform possible. This whole deal of course, is tied up in the Senate Finance Committee, which apparently calls the shots. Senator Grassley (R-Iowa) said any passage in the Senate on Reform will call for ’80′votes. When did the rules change from fifty (51) one with the VP breaking a tie?

The “Rules” of the game shifts by the minute as “ players for power“… draw lines in the sand. Is it time for President (despite his good intentions for bi-partisanship) Obama to call it a day? Twist hands, ring necks….whatever– to get his legislation through? September will provide an answer. In the interim Speaker Pelosi reassures Democrats that a bill will not emerge from the House which does not include a public option. We will see what happens!

But short of Democrats moving center stage, and in a big way to prove that Pharma will not call the shots … is to be seen. For now though, Baucus rules! You think otherwise? Chime in!

VernaSmith