The Lawyers Win One

Small but sophisticated interest groups use big political battles to gain special advantages. My column on CNN.com details the trial bar's successful insertion of anti-tort-reform measures into the House health bill.

My column on CNN.com details the trial bar's successful insertion of anti-tort-reform measures into the House health bill.

You've heard the saying: "In war, amateurs talk strategy, professionals talk logistics."

The political equivalent: "Amateurs talk ideology -- professionals talk interest groups."

Small but sophisticated interest groups use big political battles to gain special advantages. Health care reform is, of course, the biggest battle of them all, with trillions of dollars at stake.

On Saturday night with the House vote in favor of the health reform bill, the trial lawyers sliced themselves a nice little piece of that bonanza.