I understand why the Democratic top brass is reluctant to engage in tort reform - tort lawyers do a lot of useful fundraising. But why the rank-and-file objects to it, I really don't understand. Is it some misguided, twisted interpretation of the American dream - that you might strike it big some day through some patently absurd massive payout in a tort case?

The risk of insane tort lawsuits is only a part of what is wrong with the American healthcare system, okay, but it certainly is a part, and at least it's a part on which Republicans are very much willing to look for solutions. People should be accountable for negligence or serious errors, yes, but not in a way that bankrupts the doctor and/or hospital (or their insurance) and makes millionnaires of the plaintiff and especially his lawyer.

I don't see that being compatible at all with a single payer system - the system wouldn't hold up for long if it had to account for that kind of costs.