President Obama just reached out to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), his Republican opponent in the 2008 general election — by borrowing one of his ideas as part of the health care package:
“For those individuals and small businesses who still cannot afford the lower-priced insurance available in the exchange, we will provide tax credits, the size of which will be based on your need. And all insurance companies that want access to this new marketplace will have to abide by the consumer protections I already mentioned. This exchange will take effect in four years, which will give us time to do it right. In the meantime, for those Americans who can’t get insurance today because they have pre-existing medical conditions, we will immediately offer low-cost coverage that will protect you against financial ruin if you become seriously ill. This was a good idea when Senator John McCain proposed it in the campaign, it’s a good idea now, and we should embrace it.”
The cameras then showed a close-up on McCain, smiling and giving a double thumbs-up. McCain certainly seemed impressed and grateful. So what’s the chance that McCain actually votes for the final bill?