Democrats Ready to Go It Alone

Democrats are set to move ahead on health care, with or without Republican cooperation, according to The New York Times. “Top Democrats said Tuesday that their go-it-alone view was being shaped by what they saw as Republicans’ purposely strident tone against health-care legislation during this month’s Congressional recess, as well as remarks by leading Republicans that current proposals were flawed beyond repair.” Out in front is Rahm Emanuel, who said that “the Republican leadership has made a strategic decision that defeating President Obama’s health-care proposal is more important for their political goals than solving the health insurance problems that Americans face every day.” The Wall Street Journal reports, meanwhile, that President Obama “will likely shift his pitch in September.” The new strategy will focus on lofty themes and emotional appeals, rather than wonky details, and it will feature speeches instead of town halls.