Before last Thursday’s health care summit devolved into a classic blame game, there was a slight hope of some meaningful health care reform. Republicans and Democrats both mentioned fraud prevention and tort reform as worthwhile goals. Many Republicans also want to allow people to buy health care across state lines, increasing competition.

Unfortunately, Democrats will not pass any of these goals. They see themselves too close to their ultimate objective of a massive increase in the power of the federal government to make sacrifices for health care.

President Barack Obama could very easily pass a reduced version of the health care bill involving the best Republican ideas. Democrats have not said a single negative word about tort reform or increasing competition, and they were very supportive of these options at the forum.

The first portion of the health forum highlighted these similarities. Republicans were also suggesting ending certain laws about pre-existing conditions, which at times can deny coverage to people above and beyond what is reasonable.

If Obama wanted, he could suggest and pass pre-existing conditions, with tort and fraud reform, and increasing competition. Not only would this bill be budget neutral, it would have bipartisan support and help Obama’s credibility as someone who can work across the aisle.

However, Democrats would rather fight it out. Their only legislative option is a massive hearts-and-minds political campaign to convince moderate Democrats their re-election hinges on passing health care reform.

Supporters of the legislation have 10 months before a new Congress is sworn in. This group will contain many more Republicans. Furthermore, a new Congress means all bills passed by one branch will be reset. The Senate bill will not be passed by the House with a simple 50 percent plus one majority.

With this in mind, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Republicans were the ones making a fuss about reconciliation. This tactic would allow the House bill to pass with only 51 votes.

Reid is facing an exceptionally difficult re-election campaign. Unlike Obama, Reid would rather keep his job even if it means no health care bill.

Obama may continue to believe in his elective mandate, but according to Rasmussen, his overall approval rating sits at 43 percent. This is a personal worst, even at a time when the economy is starting to show some signs of recovery.

Americans are not focused on the recovering market, but on the president’s failure to get anything done. Obama needs to realize there are other battles worth his time and effort, such as the real battle going on in Afghanistan.

The only way to pass health care is to kill the bill and start anew with lowered goals. Congress must consider basic bipartisan options such as tort reform, allowing insurance across state lines and ending restrictions against pre-existing conditions. Even minor reforms will benefit Democrats' chances at re-election. Compromise may wound Democrats' pride, but it will not hurt their political careers.

The U.S. has a lower death rate from breast cancer than Canada, France or the UK, according to World Health Organization. Though Americans may not browse health reports, they are an intuitive population. They know the current system provides superior services, and they sense government control is unwanted.

If Democrats are too busy trying to score political points in ultimately worthless forums, it will not be long before they are out of power.