So, where does that leave the Democrats? To get the requisite number of votes, the leaders have to cobble together a majority coalition in which some party moderates and liberals likely do not participate. This is an extremely tricky procedure. It’s not as straightforward as saying something like, “Kathy Dahlkemper (D – Erie, PA) is the median voter. So, let’s write the bill for her.” Doing that might lose the left flank, so the leaders have to watch them as well to make sure they are still on board. They have to do this individually in both chambers, then all at once after the conference bill is produced. Additionally, there might be no second chances here. If they invest their efforts in a bill that ultimately falls short – there might not be sufficient willpower among the rank-and-file to start again…

President Obama clearly aspires to be a great president, like FDR and Lincoln. Last night he framed the health care debate by confidently placing himself at the end of a list of Presidents that begins with a leader so consequential his visage is on Mount Rushmore. Here’s something he should know about the great ones, who have a few key features in common: they know their political parties like the backs of their hands, and they know how to guide them to policy success, much as a good business executive guides her employees to profitability. If this President does not learn how to manage the factions within his own party – he will not be remembered as a great President. “Rah-rah” speeches such as last night’s are sure to be part of any good management strategy, but they are far from sufficient. The President is going to have to do more.