The first time the health-care bill went through the House in November, it passed by a 220-215 margin. Since then, one yes-vote has died, two ‘yeses’ and one ‘no’ have resigned, and the lone Republican ‘yes’ has publicly reversed his stance. All things equal, that would leave House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with a 216-215 margin. That is, until you take into account Bart Stupak, a ‘yes’ the first time around who claims to lead a dozen other pro-life Democrats committed to voting ‘no’ on the Senate bill. Or the umpteen ‘yes’ Democrats in vulnerable seats who have been vacillating. Or the umpteen ‘no’ Democrats who have been doing the same under a steady diet of sticks and carrots from House leadership and the president.
Here’s a second one.