The day has finally come. The first one at least.

Throughout the day, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has been whipping up votes for a planned evening vote on maybe the most debate bill ever. I was playing football on the mall when the motorcade drove by up to the Hill as the President attempted to help the cause. He told the caucus that it was "our moment to deliver".

Then the debate began. And it has continued well into Saturday night out here. However, according to most reports, the Speaker has gotten to her 218 that she needs to pass the bill. Now, this is historic, no question. As I write this the debate is about the vote on the Republican substitute. It is pretty much a given that this will be rejected. But the main bill seems on a path to success.

So yes, this is historic, as I was saying. But it is only step one. Interestingly, it is often times the House that is given much flak for inaction or slow action at least. However, this year, the House of Representatives has passed a clean energy bill and appears poised to pass healthcare legislation. The most exciting thing to happen in the Senate was someone saying the Nancy Pelosi should loan Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid some balls. You can see why.

If you've been paying attention to this, you know the debate outside of the beltway has been hot. People have gone way out on limbs to say some of the most ridiculous things, on both sides. But the most ridiculous thing I've seen happened on Thursday. During a huge anti-healthcare reform rally - really a "Tea Party" thing - several Representatives spoke, including the ever enlightening Michelle Bauchmann (R-MN) and somewhat unknown Todd Akin (R-MO). Mr. Akin decided that he wanted to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. He then quoted something quite famous, saying, "it is altogether fitting and proper that we do this." His next line, "because the Liberals hate it." Recognize that first line? I did instantly. It is from the Gettysburg Address, quite possibly the best speech ever given by a politician. Not only that, but it was given during a war in which the person who gave it, President Abraham Lincoln was fighting for federal government rights. Quite the opposite of what Mr. Akin is fighting for. In addition, he then went on to leave words out of the Pledge, because he was so excited to say the words "under God". To his excitement about reminding the group the importance of God, I say two things: one, faith groups overwhelmingly support healthcare and two, that is because they understand the "pro-life" means after birth as well.

So, as the minority whip, Rep. Eric Cantor, takes his five minutes, the House continues its path toward a landmark vote. It could happen at 1 am. But it appears that it will happen. It wouldn't if Speaker Pelosi didn't think it would pass. This morning, this looked unlikely. Right now, it looks imminent.