When the congresswoman from a safe seat in Denver says she's willing to restart the health care reform effort from scratch, it's clear Democrats have lost their way in this debate.

But we urge them to buck up.

Yes, the surprise turn of events in the Massachusetts Senate race should convince them that many Americans were unhappy with the massive reform bills. But we would argue, and polls would support, that most Americans know the status quo is unacceptable and some reform is needed. The system is fast becoming unaffordable and is totally unworkable for an appallingly high number of Americans.

Punting on reform now would be a terrible mistake for Democrats, as it is unlikely the party will hold the same level of control after Election Day. But approving some meaningful reform measures would go a long way toward repairing damaged reputations.

Denver Congresswoman Diana DeGette told The Post's Michael Riley that she would support a redo if Republicans demonstrated a good- faith willingness to get involved. We think that would be in the GOP's best interest and fail to see how their simply defeating Democrats on reform will serve them well. (Emphasis added)

They've succeeded in changing the debate; it's high time they demonstrated some leadership and helped craft meaningful reforms. (Emphasis added)

Both parties should realize the potential of going small. By working with a handful of bills focused on specific reforms, the public's fear that Big Government was over-reaching might be mollified.

So, where to start?

Lose the sleazy deals and worry about costs. The House and Senate bills do not bring down health care costs for most Americans, especially those who already pay for health insurance. Those costs need to at least stabilize to win over Americans and to help those businesses that can barely afford to provide insurance.

Anger at reform efforts spiked once Americans saw the sleazy buyoffs of senators in Louisiana and Nebraska, the jaded tax exemption offered to members of labor unions and other shenanigans that took place in the mad-dash final hours leading to the Christmas Eve passage of the Senate bill. Those ill-advised promises need to be broken.

It's time for torts. The idea of reforming malpractice awards is an opportunity to help control costs. We don't believe tort reform will realize the huge savings that some Republicans promise, but reform and capping awards at responsible limits would reduce costs. And it's also an opportunity for bipartisanship.

Rethink mandate. The mandate requiring every American to buy health insurance angered many, although we have favored it. We've long thought it was important to bring down overall costs, but we also remember that as a candidate, Barack Obama rejected the mandate and had a plan to fix the system without it. Congress should revisit the matter.

Pre-existing conditions. One key element that must remain is the provision that insurers cannot deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions. A realistic set of cost controls must compliment the requirement, or insurers would be unable to do business, but it's key.

Congress ought to read the public's enormous dissatisfaction with government as a warning sign not to repeat the sins of last year. Restarting the health care debate needs to be the opportunity for lawmakers to show they got that message.

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Excellent suggestions.

Time to cooperate and show that you mean it, and that goes to BOTH sides.