END GAME – AT 8:10 P.M. ET:  The health-care vote is scheduled for Sunday.  This, we think, is the end game.

But maybe not.  Apparently, the Dems are now fully prepared to use every gimmick in the book, and some that are not in the book, to get the health plan through.  But lawsuits will be filed almost immediately if the bill passes, using any of these unusual measures.  The president, as reported earlier, has cancelled his trip to Asia and Australia – he doesn't need the kangaroo vote – to be present for the action.

Dems claim they're gaining votes.  The GOP doubts it.  There is a feeling of momentous history, but also open warfare, on Capitol Hill.  The president who came to office promising to end bitter partisanship is presiding over the worst partisanship of our lifetime, and seems not to mind it.

In three days we may have one sixth of the American economy essentially under federal control.  Ironically, that's when the bloodletting may just begin.  But maybe we shouldn't say "bloodletting" about a health bill. 

March 18, 2010