There is no harmony between the parties, so the Dems having nothing to risk there by pushing through a health plan. See Rachel Maddow's "Pizza Parable":
http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=...8-7c2e5ccd5bf7
Aug. 18: Republicans oppose single-payer, public option, and co-op insurance options in the healthcare reform bill, so what do they actually support? After an enlightening TRMS skit on ordering dinner, Rachel Maddow is joined by Richard Trumka, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO.
I think the Dems are more worried about public opinion, not harmony with the GOP.