The Clinton Reducing Plan

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The new flexibility shown by Clinton and Senate Democrats, including such staunch liberals as Ted Kennedy, reflects a weakening of their political position. Polls show declining public support for expansive health-care-reform schemes. Republicans feel more free to oppose such schemes in favor of limited insurance reforms. Democrats, meanwhile, are growing reluctant to back Clinton in his vow to veto any bill that fails to ensure universal coverage. Says a congressional health-care analyst: "A lot of us are worried that the White House badly needs a reality check. Clinton and his people are out of touch with what the public will accept and what Congress will vote for." The message: unless Clinton can settle for a more modest health plan in '94, he might have to start thinking about '95.