What editorial writers are saying about the elections and health reform

Trying to repeal or rework the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act pleases some editorial writers and concerns others.

President Obama said the right words after his "shellacking" -- now he must act on them

Though words are not to be confused with actions, Obama appears prepared to lead more wisely. Make no mistake: He's sticking to his guns on health care as a signature accomplishment. But he expressed openness to Republican-sponsored improvements, as well as to negotiating over issues such as extending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. Lessons have been learned. Perhaps. New York Daily News, Nov. 4

The nation begs to differ

The moment Obama decided to go "all in" to foist on the nation an enormous deficit, an equally burdensome health care law and a so-called stimulus bill that was a giveaway to the public employee unions was the moment he sealed his fate and the fate of the Congress he would have to work with. Boston Herald, Nov. 3

In House, change wins again

As much as constituencies in the GOP may want to view the election as a repudiation of health care or a validation of the tea party movement, neither appears to be the case. According to exit polls conducted by Edison Media Research on behalf of several national news organizations, 56% of voters said the tea party wasn't a factor in their decisions, and 18% said they were voting to send a message against the movement. And while the exit polls found that 48% of voters want the health care reform legislation repealed, 47% want it retained or expanded. The Baltimore Sun, Nov. 3

Republicans must deliver solid solutions

We are hopeful that a Republican-led House will be more likely to rein in deficit spending and reform a flawed health care package passed by Democrats. ... Republican leaders like U.S. Rep. John Boehner, expected to become House speaker, must guide the party's insurgents without letting them drag the GOP down to its own defeat in 2012. The Dallas Morning News, Nov. 3

Election rebuke may save Obama

One big-government initiative that hasn't been stopped is ObamaCare. Democrats' continuing though more marginal control of the Senate, plus the presidential veto, will thwart GOP repeal efforts. The Trentonian (New Jersey), Nov. 3

Republicans and Democrats have work to do

Many candidates, such as Sen.-elect Kelly Ayotte, insisted during the campaign that the historic reform be repealed lock, stock and barrel. She was not alone. On the other hand, Charlie Bass, who is returning to the 2nd Congressional District seat after four years away, takes a more nuanced view; he's in the repeal and replace group. When most Americans look at how outright repeal would affect them or their children or neighbors (for example, by letting insurers dump premium-payers when they get sick), they would see merits in compromise. The Keene (New Hampshire) Sentinel, Nov. 3