I've said from the beginning that Democrats could get a health care bill through the Congress, but only if they were willing to make the necessary concessions and deals to come up with a bill that could gain broad support and avoid a filibuster.

We are now at that point in the U.S. Senate.

If Democrats really want a bill to get through the Senate, then they will have to push overboard some ideas that have substantial appeal in their caucus, but simply cannot get 60 votes.

One of them is the recently revived idea of opening up Medicare at age 55 for the uninsured, as a way to extend health insurance coverage.

With Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and others giving it the thumbs down, the idea won't survive a filibuster - so at this point - Democrats seem ready to get rid of it.

"I'm confident that by next week, we'll be able to forward this bill to the President," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid after a meeting of Senate Democrats last night.

Reid though didn't address the Medicare issue, or any specifics about the emerging Democratic deal on health care, ignoring questions like "Are you caving in to Senator Lieberman?"

If Lieberman does get his way on a Medicare buy-in, that's not the only demand he has made.

For example, Lieberman has made clear he wants no hint of a public option in a health bill either, which presents Reid with another difficult decision.  If he chops that out, then some liberals could balk.

Lieberman also wants to get rid of what's known as the CLASS Act, a long term care insurance plan that's part of this bill, and has drawn sharp opposition on budgetary grounds.

Also, there is the question of abortion funding, as Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) has said unless there are serious restrictions on money going to abortion services, he may filibuster the bill.

So while getting rid of the Medicare buy-in is one step, it is obvious other steps must be taken as well, as Reid tries to rush this to completion by Christmas.

Reports last night were that the White House Chief of Staff told Reid to basically give Lieberman what he wants, in order to get a bill through the Senate. 

Democrats have the votes to do that.  The only question is whether they really want a bill, imperfect as it may be in their own minds.

I have seen others in this same spot before.  Many refused to give in and watched their legislation go down the tubes.  We'll see if health care reform takes that road or not.