During his address Wednesday night, look for President Obama to focus on solutions for problem No. 1: The lack of jobs. Employment growth will determine not just the economy's fate, but also that of the Democratic majorities in Congress -- and possibly of Obama's presidency.
As it now exists, health-reform legislation is hardly a leap to "universal" coverage -- some 23 million Americans will be left out. Plus, neither the Senate nor the House version takes effect before 2013, leaving many newly eligible without insurance for years.
Why is public support falling? People are confused by all the rhetoric, shocked by the huge price tag and scared that the proposed changes will only make the situation worse. Yet it's not too late for Congress to come together and improve a system that isn't working now.





