Obama Loses His Majority

He called healthcare reform, “my life’s work.” Senator Edward Kennedy wanted every American to enjoy the benefits of health insurance, and since the beginning of the year, President Obama has also diligently pursued that goal. But since the death of political bedrock, Ted Kennedy, the fate of the controversial reform is again uncertain, even among Democrats.

The reason: With Kennedy’s death, the Democrats lose their majority in the Senate with which they can dominate opposition Republicans. Republicans are up in arms against Obama’s proposal to overhaul the $2.5 billion American health care system from the ground up.

The gap left by Kennedy’s passing cannot be filled for at least five months. That’s how long it will be until Kennedy’s home state of Massachusetts can hold elections to chose his successor.

Shortly before his death, the veteran senator actively pursued a change in Massachusetts law that would have permitted the governor of the state to quickly name a successor.

But Kennedy’s death will have ramifications beyond what’s being reported. The veteran senator was a master of reaching across party lines in order to bring about needed legislation.

“Kennedy was a powerhouse, in face-to-face negotiations, who was sensitive to the need for bipartisanship,” said Paul Light of New York University’s Center for the Study of Congress and leading Democratic spokesperson. Light continued, “The debate is now stalled and getting vicious. Kennedy wouldn’t have allowed it.”

Other experts consider it likely that the death of the 77-year old politician might help get the needed legislation through. Skeptical senators in Democratic ranks may now be likely to vote for the legislation, out of respect for Kennedy’s life-long work, says political science professor, David Schaefer.

Any reforms, however, are likely to come about in bare-bones form. That could mean that those 46 million without any health insurance, whatsoever, will still be left out in the cold.