Obama will preside over the meeting at a moment when Democrats seem to be regrouping after Republican Scott Brown's victory in the Massachusetts Senate race -- the election that cost them their 60-vote, filibuster-proof majority.
Few leaders in either party see much possibility that the summit will break the partisan impasse and produce a consensus for a healthcare bill.
But that only raises the stakes.
A compelling performance from the president before a national TV audience could rally public opinion, which might lock down the votes of some liberal and conservative Democrats who've wavered in their willingness to endorse the Senate-passed healthcare bill. (Endorsing it is the only viable way to avoid a high-profile failure on their top domestic priority, Democratic leaders think.)
A weak performance, on the other hand, or a public display of partisan bickering or sloganeering by congressional Democrats could send prospects for healthcare and the party's political fortunes plunging.
Republicans, meantime, are expected to press their argument that Obama should throw out his overhaul proposal and start from scratch -- something the White House has indicated it won't do.
Meanwhile Durbin and others are claiming the Dems will railroad socialized medicine through with budget reconciliation.
"I asked how definite Durbin was about going forward this way; after all, Republicans have said it would be an outrage, and even moderate Democrats have qualms, though some have begun leaning in favor. 'I hope it doesn't come to that,' he said.
"But, are Democrats willing to pass this bill with zero Republican votes, even though surveys have shown most Americans oppose it right now? 'Of course we are,' Durbin said."
And knock themselves right out of political power in a few short months?
Interesting.
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