Democratic Face, Democratic Teeth

President Obama had some nice things to say about selected Republicans in his press conference tonight. But the person actually overseeing the writing of the healthcare bill, Nancy Pelosi, had a very different message in an interview with the Washington Post today:

Can they [the Republicans] stop it [health care reform]?

They can’t stop it. It’s going to pass. It’s like, can you stop the night from coming after day? But they will do everything they can to stop it, not only because they disagree philosophically, but because they know politically that this is so very powerful. They know this is the most noticeable initiative Congress can take to improve the lives of the American people, and they must stop it. I would imagine there were some Republicans who felt some discomfort at [Jim DeMint's comments that this could defeating health-care reform could "break" Obama], because he blew their cover.

Do you need Republicans on the bill for Democrats to vote for this in significant numbers?

No.