When Baucus first floated the bill in mid-September, Reid strongly criticized it because the federal government would pick up just 87 percent of the new costs, leaving the rest to the states. But Baucus later modified the language to ensure that the federal government paid 100 percent of the costs in Nevada. Reid’s state — along with Michigan, Oregon and Rhode Island — has been given the added protections because it has been hit especially hard by the recession.

Let's see, the Senators from Michigan, Oregon and Rhode Island are all publically and firmly in support of HCR with a public option. All 6 of them. Where is Mark Udall? Bennet of Colorado is in favor. How about you Udall? Evan Bayh has been an impediment to health care reform. You want your concerns addressed Bayh? Then get on board the DEMOCRATIC health care reform proposal. The one with a public option. Mark Pryor of Arkansas? He's been basically a No vote. And Blanche Lincoln has been disastrous on health care. Arkansas' senators need to get with the program or forget about getting their concerns addressed.

They want the milk for free. They want their money AND be able to vote No. They forget only Republicans get to shape the bill and vote No. (Unfortunately, not snark.) Only Republicans get the milk for free.

You want a health care reform bill? Then the vaunted Rahmbo and Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi and PRESIDENT OBAMA need to learn how politics works. Right now, only Pelosi seems to understand how the game is played.

Speaking for me only