I’m sitting at the 5th annual World Health Care Congress listening to George Shultz and others debate the merits of the presidential candidates’ health care reform plans.

Rep. Jim Cooper (D‑TN), speaking for Sen. Barack Obama’s (D‑IL) plan, noted that Sen. Hillary Clinton’s (D‑NY) plan would not get a single Republican co-sponsor because it includes an individual mandate.

Speaking for Sen. Clinton’s plan, former (Bill) Clinton health policy advisor Christoper Jennings responded that there are plenty of Republicans on the individual-mandate bill sponsored by Sens. Ron Wyden (D‑OR) and Bob Bennett (R‑UT). And not just Republicans, but conservative Republicans.

So much for that talking point.