The Morning Line

Congress girds itself for a pitched battle over the Clinton health-care plan. . What are the odds that most of the plan will be enacted? When will the first floor vote be?

PLAYER

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN

Host of The McLaughlin Group

ODDS

3 to 1

VOTE DATE

Aug. 5, 1994

COMMENTS

"An avalanche of TV commercials from lobbying groups. Thunder on the left from those who want single payer. Thunder on the right from those who oppose any taxes. But despite the treacherous weather, Hillary will prevail."

PLAYER

REP. DICK ARMEY

Republican, Texas

ODDS

3 to 1

VOTE DATE

June 1994

COMMENTS

"The health-care fight will make the budget battle seem like a game of patty- cake."

PLAYER

SEN. BARBARA BOXER

Democrat, Calif.

ODDS

7 to 5

VOTE DATE

May 1994

COMMENTS

"This has to be cast as a bipartisan issue. I think the security of every American and of our economy as a whole rests on fair and comprehensive health- care reform."