We need to get the parliamentary issues off the table -- too many Americans who don't understand the process are too easily swayed by Repubublican claims that using reconciliation is extreme or unusual.
The way to do that is to call their bluff -- if THEY want Democrats to swear off using a simple majority to pass legislation, surely ANY reasonable commentator would agree that it would be reasonable, indeed necessary, for the GOP to swear off using a parliamentary procedure to require a super-majority to pass health care reform.
The spin: BOTH sides agree to an up-or-down vote. Majority rules. We can win the public debate if we call the GOP's bluff, and say we WILL agree to take reconciliation off the table -- if YOU, GOP, will take the filibuster off the table. In fact, we insist that you do so, and let the American people and their elected representatives VOTE on reforming our health care system!
They started it, but we can -- and need to -- finish it!