This is the game-changer, folks: Democratic Congressman Bart Stupak held a press conference at 4 p.m. today saying he’s voting yes on the House health care bill, with President Barack Obama signing an executive order that places restrictions on federal funding that can go to abortions in order to get the necessary voting bloc that Stupak brings to the table.

Will Washington survive this weekend’s health care vote? The news has been packed with stories this morning about the pressure the Dems are under to pull together enough Yes votes for this Sunday’s epic Health Care vote. Double that for Bart Stupak who is holding on to his No vote come hell or highwater. No Air Force One rides will sway him! Or will they?

Nancy Pelosi sat down with Rachel Maddow last night. The interview provided a number of interesting exchanges about both Eric Massa (whom Pelosi didn’t seem too eager to chat about) and Maddow favorite Bart Stupak. “Every bill is a heavy lift,” says Pelosi. “Let’s talk about someone who is trying to make it heavier,” says Maddow.

When Rachel Maddow is done with him Bart Stupak may not have either leg to stand on. Last night Maddow calmly continued her fisking of (crusade against?) the congressman who is trying to hijack the health care bill with threats that he and his “group of twelve” will not vote for a bill that doesn’t comply. Except, notes Maddow, who are these twelve congressmen? Do they even exist?

You remember Congressman Bart Stupak, he took a starring role in the health care debate back in November when he strong-armed his Stupak amendment into the House version of the Health Care bill. Well, he’s back. Big time.

With the House’s passage of a health care reform bill that includes the now-infamous Stupak Amendment, abortion has become a hot topic this week. As a result, the RNC was embarrassed to find out that it’s health insurance plan has covered elective abortions since 1991. Pro-life Democrats, then, might be interested to know that Rep. Bart Stupak (D – Mi) has received large campaign contributions for years from 2 group that make money selling insurance that covers elective abortions.

Rachel Maddow is certainly not letting Stupak go unnoticed. Last night she took another pass at the last-minute addition to the health care bill, this time taking aim at Stupak himself along with his “draconian,” “dishonest” amendment.

Every successful production requires a sequel. Looks like the GOP may be attempting their own with regards to this summer’s town halls which managed to hijack the health care debate for most of August: They want to bring them back. But can a summer blockbuster sell be successful at Christmas?

Looks like women unhappy with the Dems last-minute decision to add on the Stupak amendment, which forbids public funding of abortion except in cases of rape or incest, may have found a rather loud voice in Rachel Maddow. On last night’s show she had plenty of not so nice things to say about both the GOP and how this bill might now affect women.

Much of the day-after health care bill coverage has focused on the GOP Senators (and Joe Lieberman) who intend to stall the bill in the Senate unless the public option is removed. However yesterday on Meet the Press Rachel Maddow took the time to note how the Stupak amendment, which restricts funding for abortion unless it’s the result of rape or incest, might complicate things for President Obama going forward.