But all that didn't happen. Obama hit a number, and the congressional Dems stepped in, and have talked it higher ever since. The Blue Dogs are holding the line (probably, just to make things thoroughly annoying, thanks to Rahm).
Whether Nate Silver was right about his Price is Right strategy, I've no idea, but it worked out that way anyway.
In the end, I think we're going to wind up with a decent bill. Maybe even a good or great bill (a man can dream, right?). Quite a bit larger, with a lot more of what our side wants. Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to your country.