Today could be a crucial day in the fight for reform. In the worst case scenario -- if Coakley loses, Scott Brown takes the seat and healthcare reform is killed -- healthcare reform will not reemerge as a more progressive bill than this. It'll be less progressive than the current bill. History backs this up. Every time it's attempted and fails, the next attempt is always less progressive. Plus, in the near term without 60 votes in the Senate, serious and sustainable reform will be impossible without Republican votes. And Republican votes mean a less progressive bill.
Here's to hoping Massachusetts makes the right choice today.