in two ways from a political standpoint. First, they removed the penalty (fine), which effectively neuters the 'mandate' aspect. Takes a good deal of the steam out of the Tea Party's teapot.

Second, it is - and will be - considered an Obama victory. Part of the perception of many relatively non-partisan voters here is that Obama does not know how to govern, based on lack of legislative progress, plus all of the ineffective half-measures. This will change that perception, and it appears that the mass media is already pushing that line.

paul spencer