Remains to be seen how the content will be

Beyond the future of American health care system, it is the ability of the President to carry out its reforms during this mandate which is played last night. Barack Obama, before both houses of Congress, both had to prove his leadership qualities and political know-how to get the legislation which must be the cornerstone of its mandate in terms of domestic policy. The challenge is for him almost as high as on the eve of his election last November. Most commentators policies, its delivery depended on much of its credibility as a Supreme magistrate then part of the public is reluctant to follow. Republican attacks, the financial burden of an ambitious reform then that deficits increased, rejection a priori a mutualistic system by the US and found arbitrations between elected officials forced him yesterday evening to go beyond the Congress, his fellow who asks once again their support.

The statements of principle is gone. "I will be very clear on what I think and how best to move forward", he indicated that morning on the ABC channel. Once and for all, the President was to define the key points of the reform he wants and without which it will oppose its veto. According to the reported conversations he had with different leaders of the Congress, the President is decided to support a public insurance option if it ensures the choice for the insured. He was last night to precisely define the contours. But it is open to other ideas, provided that they allow to make a difference in the direction he wishes to. "Democrats and Republicans must understand that I am open to new ideas." "I am neither rigid nor ideologist, but I want to get something this year", he said on ABC.

In a gesture of openness toward the Republicans, it is also ready to put on the table the question of the reform of the financial compensation in the trial for medical error. The elephant party seeks in effect for a long time to cap the compensation. "I hope that this will make clear to Republicans that we are close to accomplish something deeply significant for the American people, for all those fighting the exorbitant costs of Medicare," said Robert Gibbs, his spokesman, on Fox Morning News. It is Charles Boustany, a surgeon, representative of Louisiana that was last night to clarify the position of the Republicans.

Tuesday, in tight ranks, most democratic leaders have promised that the President would reform and that a text would be voted soon. Remains to be seen how the content will be.

Creation of cooperatives

For several weeks, various committees in both houses compete with irreconcilable texts or rallying enough support. Senator Max Baucus, Chairman of the Committee of the Senate Finance, who Barack Obama has entrusted the steering of the reform is the only one to have been able to compromise last weekend with a few Republicans. Its text does not forward a public option but suggested instead the creation of cooperatives in each State. It does not require small companies to ensure their employees but requires that every American take out health insurance. Otherwise, the offenders have to pay penalties that can reach up to 3.800 per family. Its reform - which would cost between 800 and $ 900 billion would be partly financed by reassessments imposed on insurers, laboratories and medical equipment manufacturers. For the moment, it is on this single compromise text, the President may hope to build.