From out here on the West Coast, it sure looks as if OMB Director Peter Orszag is the Donald Rumsfeld of the looming health care quagmire , in the sense that a) it's his strategy that's failing--at least failing to win over public opinion; and b) it's hard to see how the strategy changes with him in the position he's in, and c) he's a logical fall guy in any case.  ... What did he do wrong? His insistence on--and insistence on talking about --long-term cost-bending successfully scared off a large segment of the American electorate by raising the issue of rationing. Hearts and minds. And it was all unnecessary, if (as he claims) health care reform can be deficit neutral over the next ten years without the curve bending. If the curve can be bent it can be bent later. Or at least more quietly ... P.S.: I'm told Orszag's possible departure was a hot rumor over at one of the cable TV channels--just a rumor, and not broadcast as far as I can see, and also the logical rumor to make up. Still,  Kausfiles is applying the old Nader principle:** If you hear that something might be about to happen, call a press conference and demand it! ...

**--Attributed to Nader by one of his admirers, in any case. ... 12:16 A.M.

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