Will Ted Kennedy's death have an influence on the fate of Health Care Reform?

Yes. While the Democrats have a wide majority in the Senate, the biggest obstacle to the bills passing depends on the moderate and conservative Democrats. Even if the bill goes through the reconciliation process, it will still be a tough vote.

Since Massachusetts' Governor can not appoint a temporary successor, there could be a several month gap until there is a new member. Therefore, it will be up to VP Biden and other lions to come forward and push for reform and get the moderates and "Conserva-dems" in line.

Since Ted Kennedy is likely to be replaced by another Democrat, the ultimate answer is "no". While Kennedy was a powerful voice for the bill, the opposition is currently much more vocal than he could ever be. There is a chance, however small, that Kennedy will be "memorialized" with this bill.

Here's hoping!

I think it will continue. Ted Kennedy (as many Kennedy family members were for the "People"). I do not think the lack of votes will effect this bill.

If not for the people, but in memory of what a wonderful person and a "people" person Ted Kennedy stood for. Someone will pick up where he left off and make sure it gets the attention that is needed for the bill to pass. flickr.com/photos/thetodd/2568665969/ flickr.com/photos/26809991@N06/2509341573.

I think it will because the rebublicans now have the popular vote and without Kennedy I think health care will fall drastically because I truly beleive he was the only one ibn our government actually fighting for health care. He was the only one that really cared. Health care will never be the same without ted kennedy.

I think that Kennedy's efforts to get Massachusetts' state legislature to pass a law allowing him to be quickly replaced shows that he himself believed his death (or at least inability to participate) would adversely affect the prospects of health care reform. It's a measure of his dedication to the cause that he spent what he had to know were his last days pushing to do what he could, while he could.

Yes I think it will have an impact on the bill. Ted Kennedy had fought for health care reform in this country for decades. It was one of his top four areas, along with civil rights, education and immigration.

He had a great influencing way to sway other members onto his side of an argument. He also had a vast education and experience on this type of reform. He had a lot of power of influence on both parties sides in this issue.

I believe with his influence being gone it will make a difference in the outcome of this bill.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.