In a way, it's a shame Mitt Romney dropped out of the presidential race so soon, as he was the candidate who could speak with the most authority about the realities facing any president trying to establish universal health insurance. The former governor has first-hand experience with that overwhelming economic challenge, as well as the political scars to prove it. In fact, he even has some good ideas for an alternative to a national program.

Yes, we all know that Sen. Hillary Clinton, while First Lady, took on the crusade to reform our dysfunctional health care system. The insurance industry, through its ingenious "Harry and Louise" ads, torpedoed her vast proposal, which was concocted in secret sessions, before it had a chance to gather any political momentum.

Mr. Romney, as governor of Massachusetts, actually signed a sweeping health insurance reform measure into law, designed to cover all residents. Indeed, the program includes the same mandate to buy coverage (with penalties imposed on violators) called for by Sen. Clinton, but rejected by Sen. Barack Obama (who would mandate coverage only for children).