There comes a time in a legislator’s career to put the best spin on a bill he or she is championing. To do so requires the deftness of clarity and a penchant for the flowing platitiude. In the case of the Senate, and Ted Kennedy’s baby — his version of healthcare reform; selling the thing, with all of its attachments^[1], will definitely put those skills to the test.

Sweeping healthcare legislation working its way through Congress is more than an effort to provide insurance to millions of Americans without coverage. Tucked within is a provision that could provide billions of dollars for walking paths, streetlights, jungle gyms, and even farmers’ markets. [..]

… Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, defend[s] the proposed spending as a necessary way to promote healthier lives and, in the long run, cut medical costs. “These are not public works grants; they are community transformation grants,’’ said Anthony Coley, a spokesman for Kennedy, chairman of the Senate health committee whose healthcare bill includes the projects.

While the Republicans may have a point here, the Democrats have to realize that adding fuel to the other side’s (f)ire will not only set them back at a time when bipartisanship is desperately needed, it will also solidify the Republicans’ “tax and spend” counter-mantra — increasing the chances of an even more dilute final legislation. | LINK

1. Republicans are crying pork. [↩]

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