Ezra really does not get it:

A lot of people are concerned that Sen. Olympia Snowe is going to have an outsized role on health-care reform. It's a fair concern. Indeed, it's a virtual certainty. But it's worth comparing Snowe's outsized role to the alternative: Ben Nelson, the 60th least-liberal Democrat, being in the driver's seat on health-care reform.

Ezra is simply wrong here. Ben Nelson, a Democrat (albeit a very very conservative one), does not provide High Broderist cover for capitulation on health care reform. Olympia Snowe (no question less conservative than Ben Nelson) does. "Losing Snowe" will be treated as a catastrophe in the Village. Having Ben Nelson oppose you, even to the point of joining a Republican filibuster, is not nearly so damaging.

If Ben Nelson opposes you to the point of filibuster, then a BETTER bill through reconciliation is possible. Nelson, knowing this, will be easier to deal with than Snowe, who knows she has more power than Nelson. Snowe in the room means Obama will capitulate to her and the Village will rejoice. Nelson in the room allows for the threat of reconciliation hanging over him. It just is not there for Snowe. We have seen this movie before. Apparently, Ezra has forgotten it already (more likely Ezra is unconcerned about the capitulations that Snowe will demand (on the public option.))

Speaking for me only