Blackmail gone wrong

Obama is threatening to not support and campaign for any Democrat who votes against Health Care. If Obama was smart, and he isn't, he would tell Democrats he won't support them if they vote for it. His support didn't help in Mass, New Jersey, or Virginia. It didn't help Chicago get the Olympics. Everything he has supported has lost. So if I was an elected Democrat why would I want his support?

The president will refuse to make fund-raising visits during November elections to any district whose representative has not backed the bill.

A one-night presidential appearance can bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds which would otherwise take months to accumulate through cold-calling by campaign volunteers.

Mr Obama's threat came as the year-long debate over his signature domestic policy entered its final week.

Mr Obama is personally telephoning congressmen who are still on the fence this week, in between several personal appearances devoted toward swinging public opinion.