As I watched the President’s little gathering on C-Span today, the differences between the parties were clearly evident on several levels. I think the most obvious was that the Republicans were focused on the actual bills before them often citing hard numbers, financial matters, and the huge chasm of philosophical disparity. They were alert, unified, and firm in their belief of limited government and the need to scrap the 2,400 page bill and begin anew. They did not waver in the face of Obama’s efforts to berate, belittle, and distract.

The Democrats on the other hand were far more emotional and spoke about their uninsured constituents and read the letters from people who have been bankrupted by unfair insurance situations. They were also quite defensive; none more than the President who seemed clearly agitated and annoyed at times. Their talking points also smacked of desperation and knew that if this meeting did not work in Obama’s favor, it would signal the end of healthcare reform and the eventual culmination of mass defeat come November, and subsequently 2012. The Democrats also know that a President with plummeting poll numbers, higher than normal unemployment, and consumer confidence continuing to fall, will not want to be associated with his failing policies for fear that the looming Republican takeover will result in them working in the public sector; not a very pleasant place compared to their cushy government jobs.

Now do I believe there are people out there who do not have insurance or have bad policies? Absolutely. I along with millions of people have pre-existing conditions and I know few people who don’t so I am more than empathetic to the plight. Does that mean that I believe that the government can do a better job than the private sector, or that is even the place of government to do so? I don’t. In fact, I believe that if there is less government involvement in the relationship between a patient and his/her doctor, that the business of healthcare delivery would thrive in an atmosphere which allows for competition, free market principles, and higher standards of care.

Let’s examine the President’s behavior today. I assume that he went into this meeting looking to be the savior of healthcare, like he wants to be the savior of everything else, and he led the meeting in the typical Obama-arrogant attitude. He scolded Eric Cantor for bringing the 2,400-page bill, having it prominently sit in front of him on the table. He also brought the 11-page Obama proposal which is even more expensive and restrictive. The president ignored the substance of Representative Cantor’s message and called the Democrat Bill a political stunt. When John McCain correctly brought up the backroom deals made with Louisiana and Nebraska, and reminded Obama on his campaign promise of Change, Obama said “we’re not campaigning any more. The election is over.” McCain retorted that he’s “reminded of that every day.”

Bottom line; the president came away looking petty, and small, but will still try to Rahm it through despite the American people’s dislike for the bill. The Republicans did a tremendous job and should be commended for the way they handled themselves. I predict, however, that the Olbermanns and Maddows of the world will see it differently. So is the bill dead or alive? Who knows?