A Republican takes Sen. Edward Kennedy's Senate seat. Amazing! Last summer, the talk was about passing "healthcare reform" (actually insurance reform) in Kennedy's honor. That Massachusetts, once the most liberal state in the union (probably now Vermont is) and still at the far end of liberalism, would elect a Republican--and not a wishywashy one, either--was a thought that did not dare think itself. And here we are. Obama loses his 60th vote in the Senate.

Some of the Dems are in denial. Jonathan Chait at the New Republic, for example. He says the reason for the Massachusetts revolt was the 10 percent unemployment rate. Denial, denial, denial. Voters know Obama didn't create the 10 percent unemployment. I don't hear people around me blaming that on him. The Republicans don't have any instant cure on offer for 10 percent unemployment, either. It is not about that.

I am not in Massachusetts, so I am not 100 percent sure of this. But from what I've read, the big issue is the national Democrats' health insurance plan--because Massachusetts already has such a plan, including an individual mandate like the one in Congress. And it has raised costs, not "controlled" them. It is several billions over the amount promised. Simply, it is not successful. And, I gather, the people in Massachusetts are not of a mind for any more social experiments.

This may be the end of Obamacare. Or there may be some quick moves in Congress before Massachusetts' new senator is seated. If that happens, just wait until November.