Reid 'Optimistic' About 60 Votes

Harry Reid is “cautiously optimistic” about the success of his frantic attempts to unite the 60 votes of his caucus behind the Senate health care reform bill. “I think we’re together,” he says. But the majority leader was positively voluble about the bill itself, notes the Washington Post: “Of all the bills we've seen, it'll be the best."

Insiders say the much talked-about outliers—senators Nelson, Lincoln, and Landrieu—are satisfied with changes. That could be due to a surprise visit from the vice president to show support for the bill, the Hill reports. Joe Biden “knows 90 senators, including people like Lincoln, Landrieu and Nelson,” a Democratic source says. Reid is expected to unveil the legislation today, and it could see a vote as early as Friday. (More Harry Reid stories.)