Fearing the future is not what the moment calls for

"Obama managed to hold the high ground on the country's desire to move past blind partisanship to common sense compromise, which was so central to his election last year, while also making it clear to the Republicans that he would not be a patsy for their attacks on his plan."

Obama knows that only a handful of Republicans will support him in this effort. But he pointed out -- and adopted -- good GOP ideas, such as medical malpractice reform and Sen. John McCain's idea of setting up high-risk insurance pools for the uninsured. Was that for show? Partly, sure.
But this coup de grace wasn't: "My door is always open" to new ideas, the president said. "But know this: I will not waste time with those who have made the calculation that it's better politics to kill this plan than improve it. ... And I will not accept the status quo as a solution."
Mr. Change is back in town.