Washington in 60 Seconds: Health Care Reform Coming, ACORN Falling

Good morning, Capitolists! It's Wednesday in Washington and after being over-served on House intrigue yesterday, we today declare the Capitolist an officially Joe Wilson-free zone. Here's what else is making news in Washington today:

* Quick -- who is the prime minister of Canada? Rack your brain before 10:45, because that's when he's meeting with President Obama at the White House. (A hint: It's Stephen Harper.)

* Welcoming Harper at the Canadian Embassy will be PETA protesters, who promise to "writhe on the ground in order to illustrate what happens to tens of thousands of harp seals -- most of whom are babies." Welcome south, Mr. Harper!

* Sen. Max Baucus will finally unveil his finance committee's version of health care reform today, and he gives a preview in an op-ed in today's Wall Street Journal. In a nutshell, the public option's out, co-ops are in, and we'll have more details for you later today. One detail we can give you now -- not a single Republican supports it.

* One day after the Senate voted to cut off HUD funding for ACORN programs, The New York Times writes that House Minority Leader John Boehner has written to President Obama asking him to do the same with all federal funds. "It is evident that Acorn is incapable of using federal funds in a manner that is consistent with the law," Boehner said.

* The Washington Post points out that those crazy kids who helped put Obama in the White House are probably not going to like the proposed requirement in health care reform that they buy health insurance (sorry, that iPhone purchase will have to wait). About 10 million young, healthy adults are uninsured, and one of them tells the Post, "I really don't think everyone should required to [be insured]."

* Great news! Fed Chairman Bernanke said yesterday that the recession "is very likely over." The hitch: Marketwatch says jobs may not be part of the recovery anytime soon. Bernanke added, "It's still going to feel like a weak economy for a very long time."

* Is your school system tops in the country? Education Sec. Arne Duncan announces the best of the best today in the Capitol today; we'll tell you who wins.

* Finally, President Jimmy Carter said something controversial about Joe Wils*n yesterday, but because of our commitment to keep this a Joe Wils*n-free zone, we'll just send you to the Washington Times if you want to know about it.