The New York Times has an article entitled: Conservative Democrats Expect a Health Deal

The New York Times article notes that despite a summer of discontent, many members of the conservative Democratic Blue Dogs Coalition say agreement on a health care plan is possible.

The article notes that perhaps a majority of the more than 50 Blue Dogs could ultimately get behind a health care package if it was reasonable and represented a consensus Democratic view.

The article quotes Rep. David Scott (very supportive) and Rep. Jim Marshall (support at this point very questionable) and others, and concludes that even after the tough town-hall-style meetings, unrelenting Republican assaults and a steady stream of questions from anxious voters, many of the lawmakers still believe approval of some form of health care plan is achievable and far preferable to not acting at all.

My question is, given the debacle manner it health care reform has been handled and presented by the administration -- including its push to get something, anything, passed before the August break -- what are the lawmakers going to do about their constituents, just ignore them.

This is not going to play out pretty if it happens without the public buying into the process. It is weary and has grown distrustful of government and TARP, bailouts, banks, GM, deficits and the perception that there is help for everyone but them.