It's worth keeping mind…

…that while Landrieu, Nelson, Lincoln, et al may be a problem, they're not the problem. (Ben, in fact, seems to be coming around.) E.J. Dionne explains…

As of last Monday, the Senate majority had filed 58 cloture motions requiring 32 recorded votes. One of the more outrageous cases involved an extension in unemployment benefits, a no-brainer in light of the dismal economy. The bill ultimately cleared the Senate earlier this month 98-0—yes, that is a zero.

The vote came only after the Republicans launched three filibusters against the bill and also tried to lard it with unrelated amendments, delaying passage by nearly a month. And you wonder why it’s so hard to pass health care?

If the Democrats in the Senate don't stand together it could be a disaster, both on policy and political ground, but it will be a disaster designed, pursued and celebrated by Republicans. Pulling things down and tearing things apart is all they have left, and obstruction is their primary legislative tool.

Hat tip to Howie.