The Last Stand? Only if Obama Chooses.

The left is circling the wagons, the right smells blood for the first time in a long time, and every side is hyping tomorrow night's address as the best and last hope for a successful Obama Presidency(in political terms, not factual).

Hold that thought.

The comparisons to the current healthcare debate to Clinton's effort in 93' have been used to the point of exhaustion by news analysis across the networks. Is Obama not being forceful enough with Congress as many in his party now whisper? Yet, Clinton is considered to have been too dictatorial towards Congress with Hillarycare.
Another complaint from the left is the back room deals made with prominent drug companies to secure their support for the healthcare push. Yet, such resistance from the drug companies is seen as being crucial for the defeat of Clinton's attempt in 93.

The fact is Obama is either not willing or unable due to paralysis from his party to have a truly bi-partisan bill become law. There is broad support for ending pre-existing conditions as a barrier to coverage, broad support outside the DNC headquarters for tort reform, and even a decent majority willing to support a healthcare bill that makes the billing process more transparent between doctors, patients, and insurance companies.

Unfortunately, such reforms can only be made possible with a closely divided Congress instead of a supermajority dem controlled. Like Clinton did with balanced budgets and welfare reform, Obama would be able to pass truly good legislation on healthcare in such an environment. Regulation sells, takeover doesn't. Unless the President is willing to sacrifice the sacred cow of public option/trigger/co-op, he won't get either. A successful Presidency after 10'and re-election depends on it.