He sure makes a more appealing presentation than the Speaker and makes at least some effort to meet the Republicans. He talks favorably about “open, transparent” markets and says he too favors preventive-care reforms. He feels compelled to note that many on his side favored the public option. If in fact the House flips to the Republicans, I suspect Hoyer will displace Pelosi as the leader of the House Democrats. That would, I think, substantially improve the tenor of much of the dialogue in Washington and put in place a keener legislative dealmaker. Republicans might then finally have an effective opponent who makes the case for the Democrats with factual detail and without rancor. But for now, Democrats have Pelosi at the helm, which frankly is a boon for the Republicans.