THE LARGER PICTURE: “Normally Unflappable” Turns To “Frustration” And “Snapped”…

The Hill’s Sam Youngman writes that in yesterday’s press conference “Obama’s cool demeanor slips.”

The normally unflappable President Obama let his cool demeanor slip Tuesday, showing signs of frustration with questions on domestic and foreign policy issues as poll numbers indicate support for his policies is slipping. The president snapped at reporters who echoed his critics, particularly at those who questioned his response to unrest in Iran or asked about how his proposed public insurance plan might hurt the free market. – The Hill

CAP-AND-TROUBLE: 1,201 Pages Of Higher Energy Costs And Lost Jobs…

The Democrats are moving forward with the cap-and-tax National Energy Tax “even though many Democrats are undecided.”

The House Rules Committee unveiled the latest version of the bill, which weighs in at 1,201 pages. – The Washington Post

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is moving forward with a floor vote on climate change legislation this week even though many Democrats are undecided on the controversial bill. Pelosi’s gamble to schedule a Friday vote is one of the riskiest moves she has made as Speaker. There are at least eight Democrats who are firm “no” votes, while many others are on the fence (see chart page 14). In an indication that Democrats lack the necessary votes to pass it on their side of the aisle, Pelosi and other party leaders have met with centrist Republicans seeking their support.– The Hill

HEATH CARE CHECK-UP: Americans Concerned About Health Care Reform…

The Washington Post/ABC News poll finds Americans are “very concerned” that health care reform will “lead to higher costs, lower quality, fewer choices, a bigger deficit, diminished insurance coverage and more government bureaucracy.”

Most respondents are "very concerned" that health-care reform would lead to higher costs, lower quality, fewer choices, a bigger deficit, diminished insurance coverage and more government bureaucracy. About six in 10 are at least somewhat worried about all of these factors, underscoring the challenges for lawmakers as they attempt to restructure the nation's $2.3 trillion health-care system. Part of the reason so many are nervous about future changes is a fear they may lose what they currently have. More than eight in 10 said they are satisfied with the quality of care they now receive and relatively content with their own current expenses, and worry about future rising costs cuts across party lines and is amplified in the weak economy. – The Washington Post

HEALTH CARE CHECK-UP: Not This Year…

In a must-read piece, Roll Call reports that Senators are conceding “that it appears increasingly unlikely that Congress will reach a bipartisan consensus on health care reform this year.”

Senators conceded Tuesday that it appears increasingly unlikely that Congress will reach a bipartisan consensus on health care reform this year, with a rift growing over whether to include a government-run insurance option in the legislation. – Roll Call

HEALTH CARE CHECK-UP: Well, You Could Lose Your Coverage…

At yesterday’s press conference, President Obama confirmed what Republicans have been saying for quite some time and that is that a government-run health care plan will cause employers to drop coverage.

Mr. Obama regularly promises that Americans who like their coverage can keep it. On Tuesday, he clarified that he is promising that the government won't make anyone change health-care plans, but he said employers may still act on their own. Even without legislation, he said, employers are raising premiums and dropping coverage. – The Wall Street Journal

HEALTH CARE CHECK-UP: Democrat Infighting Continues…

This development bears watching, as the left wing of the Democratic Party keeps going after top lawmakers within its own realm. This time, it’s the health care issue on which advocates for President Obama’s agenda (and well beyond that) have begun eating their own. MoveOn has begun urging its sizable membership to hound Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, criticizing her for cautionary remarks she made on CNN on Sunday about overhauling the health care system. – The New York Times

The Must Reads:

Politico: “A Republican Comeback?”
The Washington Post: “Most Want Health Reform But Fear Its Side Effects”