Was it the greatest legislative triumph in half a century or an undemocratic process that will doom Obama's reelection chances? Read The Daily Beast's columnists on what to make of Sunday night's historic health-care vote. Plus, three historians' take on Obama's legacy now.
An Open Letter to Republicans: The Bill Will Save Your Lives, TooBy Michael Moore
Filmmaker Michael Moore says all the Republicans who voted against health care can take comfort in the fact their families will be covered—and universal coverage is still a long way off.
The Return of Big GovernmentBy Margaret Hoover
A weak majority brought on the kind of social welfare state law discredited decades ago. The Republicans will find their revenge at the ballot box.
Prepared for FailureBy Reihan Salam
The Democrats already have their excuse ready when their health-care reform falls short. The solution, of course, will involve more spending.
Obama has all the right instincts—but it took a fiercely focused female to really get it done. Gail Sheehy on a major victory for family caregivers.
The Price of VictoryBy Tunku Varadarajan
Obama’s health care win was a messy perversion of democracy—one that will come back to haunt him, and his party, in the end.
A Campaign Issue You Can Believe InBy Eric Alterman
By passing health-care reform, Democrats go before voters this fall having delivered on their promise—attracting women voters and preventing the GOP from sticking them with the do-nothing label.
Gambling Away a Second TermBy Mark McKinnon
By throwing in with House Speaker Pelosi, and resisting calls for smaller reforms, the president sharpened the partisan divide—and may have blown his shot at reelection.
Obama’s Failed PromiseBy Dana Goldstein
To get the health-care bill passed, a pro-choice president reneged on his pledge to support reproductive rights for rich and poor alike.
How the GOP Made It HappenBy Matthew Yglesias
Many liberals were ready to compromise during health care’s twisted path to passage. Matthew Yglesias on how the right’s just-say-no game helped bring the left together.
The Secret to Obama's Big WinBy Peter Beinart
The president lost big in the ideological battle over health-care reform. Then he discovered his inner FDR and LBJ.
