What Kind Of Health Care Deal Is This?

News reports this evening are talking about a “deal” on health care between congressional Democratic leadership and the right wing Blue Dog Democrats. What’s the deal?

First, congressional Democratic leaders accept Blue Dog Democrats’ demands to reduce health care coverage provided in reform legislation, and to shift the costs of the reform package to state governments.

Second, the Blue Dog Democrats don’t promise to vote for the legislation. Yes, you read that right. They don’t promise.

How is that a deal? It looks more like a surrender to me.