Here's my cautious prediction of what will occur after the summit.

[gateley]

Am I even close?

1) They won't settle for anything except scrapping it and starting all over.

2) We won't agree to do that.

3) We forge ahead with reconciliation.

4) When more and more people realize that they haven't been screwed, and others actually receive help, the Republicans will take the credit (as they did with the stimulus benefits)

My only concern with my fantasy scenario is that so many of the 'improvements' won't take place for years. By that time, too many more people will have suffered and hold the Dem plan responsible.

[leftstreet]

1. Our overlords will all go to lunch together. Period

They don't give a shit about us

[FrenchieCat]

2. That's so fucking negative.......

and untrue to some extent.

Some care more than others.
Some don't care at all.

You obviously don't believe anything will ever happen.
Cynical, but understandable, but I don't buy it. Sorry.

[AndyA]

3. The Democrats are stunning in their ability to make the other side look good, aren't they?

Do you think for one moment this process would have gone down as it has if the GOP were in charge and wanted to pass something? Not on your life. And recent history is full of instances where the GOP has shut out the Democrats, and when Dems dared to speak up about it, they were promptly and summarily dismissed by the GOP as being whiny.

[Marr]

4. You take a wild leap in point #4.

People are going to be very angry about this bill.

[gateley]

8. Initially, but I'm hopeful that it will actually help some people, and their

anger, at least, will lessen.

[LostInAnomie]

5. My prediction

1) Repubs will leave meeting with the "start over" message.

2) Dems will miraculously come up with the votes to pass the public option through reconciliation.

3) Olive branch will be handed to the Repubs that Dems will not pass the public option if they make some concessions.

4) Repubs will make a few token concessions in exchange for buying insurance over state lines and tort reform.

5) We pass a very watered down and pro-business bill that won't help nearly as many people as the public option would have.

6) Repubs claim victory.

[gateley]

7. I like my scenario better, but yours sure has the ring of truth to it. nt

[nenagh]

6. Which Repub just said that his plan

will avoid mandating insurance coverage....

by using a high risk pool..

Whether that makes economic sense or not.. it will sound good in months to come..

[ThomWV]

9. There are only 3 options, Conference, Reconciliation, death of the bills