THE COUNT – AT 7:16 P.M. ET:  I must report the impression gathered from a variety of news sources, that the Democrats either have or are close to having, enough votes for passage of the health bill on Sunday, and may not even need the procedural gimmicks they were threatening.

The pressure of the Dems has been intense, with Barack Obama and his Chicago Swing Band providing a good part of it.  Many Americans don't realize that the bill also includes a rewrite of the student-loan program. 

However, even if the Dems win a major victory on Sunday, there still could be combat ahead.  There are apparently some technicalities that require Senate approval.  These could throw a monkey wrench into the whole thing. 

It's now about power, and who is king (or queen) of the hill. 

Two days to go.  If the bill passes, look for lawsuits, some of them brought by the states on Constitutional grounds.

March 19, 2010