Hanging In The Balance

Although Democrats hold a 60 to 40 advantage in the Senate, health care reform hangs on votes of a few conservative Democrats and one or two moderate Republicans. Its a classic tragedy, a few votes shy. Let's face it, the resistance to this change, to reforming health care, comes from three major forces.

- Political ideology including how to frame the issue and win just enough momentum to kill change. This includes the most egregious framing that I think is out there. That would be calling a public option, complete government run health care. Its fear based. Then there's simply the ongoing battle between the parties for power. There are those Republicans that can't get behind change because it comes from Obama.

- The health care industry's power and money. This includes politicians in the pockets of corporations and a media campaign to gather enough momentum to sway just enough public opinion or to at least make it seem like public opinion is being swayed. These are the actors behind the scene, the less visible force, the lobbyists and such, but also the most powerful and essential force against change.

- The media's role in promoting opinions and stances. This is a battle of both sides of the issue, its also a battle of media outlets. This is also a matter of swaying just enough momentum to support change or the status quo, and to try to win listeners or viewers. Its like a sport, ABC versus Clear Channel.

McClatchy: Moderate Democrats hold health bill's fate in their hands

In more conservative areas, "the mood we're seeing out there is not just being driven by health care, though health care may be the tipping point," said Jennifer Duffy, senior editor for the Cook Political Report. "People are unhappy about deficits, bailouts, and just see too much government."