Clinton learned 1993 lesson, pushes smaller reforms

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) has abandoned the grandiose ideas of healthcare system overhaul that galvanized her opponents in 1993 and made "HillaryCare" the biggest fiasco of the first Clinton administration. But she hasn't abandoned her concern, and is advocating smaller reforms to extend health insurance coverage to all--especially children. She applauds state and local efforts like those afoot in San Francisco and Massachusetts, but says a federal solution is needed eventually. Experts predict that if she runs for president in 2008, Republicans will make an issue of the failed 1993 plan. Still, despite her history, Clinton has developed a significant base of healthcare industry contributors in recent times, with dollars coming in from doctors, hospitals, drug manufacturers and insurers.

For more on Clinton's ideas for health care:
- check out this article from The Ledger