In terms of responses, panic seems to be the norm. I'm not saying that's not justified, but I just don't see it the same way. I'm hugely uneducated when it comes to politics, but I felt like putting my voice out there, so take this post for what it's worth:
Let's start with a bit of history. I'm going to begin with a bold argument - the "60 seat majority" was a bad thing for the Democrats. I think the entire concept is a little misleading. For starters, that 60 is really 58 Dems and 2 Independents (most frustratingly, Joe Lieberman). More importantly, Democrat Senators aren't all alike - the ones from Arkansas and Nebraska hold a somewhat separate set of beliefs from the ones in California, and must respond to vastly different constituencies.
So when it came time to fix health care, the first bill introduced didn't jive with every Senator's vision, and the inter-party negotiating/bickering began. Had some of those more conservative Democratic Senators actually been Republican, the dynamic would have been much different - the Republicans would have had to decide whether they actually wanted to filibuster a popular health care bill (back then, it was polling very well).
Think about how different that would have been - instead of a summer of prolonged debate, an opportunity for Republicans to spread misinformation about the bill far and wide, they would have had to respond, immediately - are we going to filibuster this popular bill, or not?
Side note: The whole "60 seat majority" thing has caused us to forget that filibustering has major public opinion downsides - it's seen as obstructionist and partisan. I think we're going to remember this soon.
We all know what actually happened - the prolonged debate did take place, the forces that be, well organized as they are, managed to convince a relatively uneducated public that the bill was toxic, and nothing got passed until December.
(I'm really not trying to be partisan here - my own thoughts on the health care bill are very mixed. It appeals to my liberal ideals but betrays my libertarian persuasions. That's a conversation for another day. I mean to deal in facts - the Tea Party-ers and insurance companies managed to steer the conversation to inane and fear-inducing things like death panels. Through mostly these tactics - framing of issues rather than the issues themselves - the bill become unpopular. And, let's face it - the public is absolutely uneducated when it comes to the state of health care. No one knows whats going, even people who should. Which is part of the problem, actually.)
In the process, the Democrats, the President, and pretty much anyone in favor of reform took a beating at the polls (and not to mention, the bill got very watered down). A giant, good-for-nothing mess.
But I digress. This post is about the future, not the past. What to do now? Here is the playing field: Health care hasn't yet passed and is still fairly unpopular. The public has lost the forest for the trees - the focus is no longer on the problem, the fact that the status quo will make us more bankrupt than the bill (I think that's true - correct me if I'm wrong), but on rage and anger at government spending and size. The people who the bill will help, the costs it will save, the necessity of the thing - all have been forgotten (even/especially by the beneficiaries of the bill).
But we must not forget the flip side of the coin: there are still issues to be solved, and now the Republicans have to actually exercise the threat of filibuster if and when they please.
So what is the way forward?
Step one is reminding the public what they have forgotten, and then getting health care off their minds. Now, if only there were a publicized stage where a charismatic speaker would have an unfiltered voice to remind the public of the bill's merits. Oh, wait, there is - the State of the Union.
This is the perfect forum for the President to remind us why he's the Man: by sticking to his guns. He needs to go up and acknowledge the criticism and hit back, tactfully. Facts, figures, emotional persuasion. Tell us stories of who it's going to help. Tell us stories of some of the tens of thousands of people who lost their grandmothers, spouses, or kids because of our broken health care system. (Do I have that stat right?) Remind us of the problem, and tell us how the bill will fix it. Shine light on the misinformation spread about the bill and channel anti-corporation rage - not too much, but just enough.
Then pivot to the future - cracking down on the corporations: big insurance, big oil, big whatever else, and...
Step two: Wall Street. I've heard rumors of a special tax on banks that received bailouts. That's a little two baldly popular for my taste, but it's a start. Even better, there has been talk of a sort of reinstatement of the Glass-Steagall Act (separation of commercial and investment banking, essentially).
This is brilliant. It left my favorite conservative financial/economic blogger dumbfounded and ecstatic. (Seriously, he's great, and he makes a lot of sense. He's also a riot to read and absolutely crazy. I would love to meet the guy.)
It's so brilliant because it does two things simultaneous - tap deeply into populist anger and accomplish something real and necessary. The support for Glass-Steagall-type reinstatement comes from all fronts - liberal and conservative economists, bloggers, and pundits - and it will do much to blunt the growing conservative/Tea Party movement.
With huge majorities, the Democrats will dictate the agenda. At this point, the Republicans will have two alternatives - go along with financial reform (and cede serious momentum) or oppose/filibuster it, allowing the Dems to wear the crown of the populist party.
There are roadblocks - health care and a second stimulus come to mind. But these can be handled. The former needs to be passed, and quickly, to get it off the public's mind. This is essential - get the Senate bill through the House, get it signed, and let the public forget about it. Tack stuff onto it after the 2010 elections.
The latter may be a little trickier. The Tea Party-ers will be out in full force, decrying the era of big government and spending. The President needs to use the State of the Union and the bully pulpit throughout the year to link the recession and debt to Bush while simultaneously reminding the public that he tried to get us out of the recession with as little spending as possible, but that didn't fix unemployment.
It's going to be a tough sell, but that's why Obama is Obama.
From there, it's focusing on popular bills - I'm not up with politics enough to know exactly what they are, but I'm pretty sure they're there, and tempting the filibuster whenever possible.
So, in short, this is how I truly believe the Dems can seriously minimize losses come November (or maybe even break even):
- Use the SOTU to set the record straight on health care and turn the focus to Wall Street and the economy/unemployment.
- Pass health care asap, likely through the House (get it together, idiots), and push modifications till later. Get it off the public's mind.
- Push serious finance reform, focusing on Glass-Steagall.
- Minimize damage if a second stimulus is necessary by the spectre of Bush and honest attempt to fix the problem with as little money as possible that was the first stimulus.
- Focus on popular issues and force the Republicans to use the filibuster (often at their own peril).
There you have it - a complete amateur's take on how to navigate 2010. I'm sure I'm wrong for 3120329 reasons, but writing this has been a fun thought exercise. Also, I know "step one" and "step two" that I wrote about above don't line up with the 5 step process laid out a few sentences ago, but whatever. I have to get back to work.
Computer's desktop many of us along with custom-made computer hardware come with an array of digital camera signs models to make really the only reference essential by simply just about any chanel replica handbags. Many of us spouses their kiosk types along with kiosk installing assistance using spectacular software package alternatives which have been beautifully made with replica hermes handbags along with reputable individual functionality planned. Your crew in Many of us is composed fully involving special pros which have been effectively accustomed to his or her buy and sell along with distinctly skilled throughout delivering fake chanel installing along with several, similar solutions. We’s authorities can easily help firms using louis vuitton outlet, kiosk installing along with preservation, OEM making, tailor made kiosk design and style along with computer hardware rental packages. The many solutions proposed by Many of us pledges a similar quality along with client satisfaction that will countless have realized over the company’s computer hardware along with software package alternatives. Your Many of us site is made up of every piece of information complaintant requires to acheive commenced using individual kiosk installing as well as computer hardware along with gucci replica handbags invest in. Comprehensive particularly the many business’ services is available using an quickly navigated along with totally made on-line household.
ReplyDeleteoakley sunglasses outlet
ReplyDeletemichael kors outlet online
marc jacobs perfume
burberry outlet
christian louboutin outlet
ugg boots sale
michael kors outlet
louis vuitton
michael kors uk
coach outlet
ugg outlet
cheap uggs
canada goose outlet
cheap ray ban sunglasses
michael kors watches
tory burch flats
ralph lauren outlet
michael kors outlet
mont blanc mountain
lululemon outlet
hollister kids
canada goose outlet
michael kors outlet
ray ban aviators
fitflop sale
toms shoes
timberland boots
20150311keyuanyuan85
20150623meiqing
ReplyDeleteoakley sunglasses wholesale
michael kors
juicy couture
coach factorty outlet
jordan retro 8
michael kors handbags
oakley sunglasses wholesale
hollister clothing store
timberland boots
jeremy scott adidas
abercrombie
louis vuitton
michael kors outlet
burberry outlet
cheap jordans
ray ban sungalsses
fake oakleys
michael kors outlet
oakley vault
michael kors outlet
abercrombie
gucci outlet online
michael kors uk
mont blanc
michael kors
cheap toms
michael kors outlet online
chanel uk
louis vuitton handbags
christian louboutin sale
michael kors handbags
tory burch outlet
air jordans
retro jordans 13
oakley
jordan 13
louis vuitton
ralph lauren outlet
mont blanc pen
louis vuitton
evening dresses outlet
ReplyDeletecheap evening dresses
ralph lauren outlet
celtics jerseys
ravens jerseys
bottega veneta handbags
michael kors uk
nike air max
baltimore ravens jerseys
football shirts uk,soccer jerseys uk,cheap soccer jerseys uk
nike outlet
vans shoes
kansas city chiefs jerseys
nike shoes
new york giants jerseys
dwyane wade jersey
indianapolis colts jerseys
futbol baratas
swarovski outlet
barcelona jersey
nike roshe,nike roshe run uk,nike roshe uk,roshe run,nike roshe run,roshe run women,rushe run men
nike sneakers
lebron james jersey
true religion jeans
tory burch outlet
prom dresses
ahmad bradshaw jersey,josh mcnary jersey,andrew luck jersey,donte moncrief jersey,delano howell jersey,robert mathis jersey,andrew luck jersey,trent richardson jersey
canada goose jackets
juicy couture outlet
oakley sunglasses
oklahoma city thunder jerseys
derrick rose jersey
nike outlet store
coach outlet store
dan marino jersey,louis delmas jersey,brent grimes jersey,cameron wake jersey,mike wallace jersey,dan marino jersey,cameron wake jersey
new york jets jerseys
zhuweiming0623
puma sneakers
ReplyDeletechristian louboutin outlet
kobe bryants shoes
hermes outlet
calvin klein outlet
tory burch shoes
pandora charms
arizona cardinals jerseys
mac cosmetics
louis vuitton handbags
adidas outlet
cheap football shirts
kansas city chiefs jerseys
boston celtics jersey
pandora
michael kors canada, http://www.michaelkorsoutletcanada.in.net
michael kors outlet store, http://www.michaelkorsoutletonlinstore.us.com
ugg boots, http://www.uggboot.com.co
lululemon outlet
adidas outlet
louis vuitton,borse louis vuitton,louis vuitton sito ufficiale,louis vuitton outlet
rolex watches,rolex watches,swiss watches,watches for men,watches for women,omega watches,replica watches,rolex watches for sale,rolex replica,rolex watch,cartier watches,rolex submariner,fake rolex,rolex replica watches,replica rolex
vibram fivefingers
coach outlet
louis vuitton outlet
hollister pas cher
cheap nike shoes
chanel outlet
oklahoma city thunder jerseys
beats headphones
air max 90
valentino outlet
michael kors outlet, http://www.michaelkorsoutlet-store.us.com
salvatore ferragamo
michael kors outlet online, http://www.michaelkors-outlets.us.com
iphone 6 cases
0822maoqiuyun
1595meiqing
ReplyDeleteray ban sunglasses
louis vuitton handbags
adidas superstar shoes
abercrombie and kent,abercrombie fitch,www.abercrombie.com,abercrombie fitch,joe abercrombie,abercrombie uk
ray ban glasses
hollister
jordans
coach outlet store online
cheap uggs
air jordans
toms outlet
coach factory outlet online
nike trainers
coach outlet stores
kate spade handbags
michael kors handbags
burberry outlet
coach factory outlet
instyler curling iron
swarovski jewelry
louis vuitton
cheap jordans
louis vuitton
coach outlet
black timberland boots
michael kors bag
timberlands
ugg australia
uggs outlet
oakley sunglasses
zhengjx20160412
ReplyDeletelouis vuitton outlet
coach factorty outlet online
michael kors outlet
michael kors bags
michael kors handbags
instyler
air jordan femme
ralph lauren home
louis vuitton outlet
marc jacobs outlet
kate spade handbags
nike free uk
michael kors bags
true religion outlet store
oakley sunglasses
cheap oakley sunglasses
louis vuitton outlet
coach outlet
nike sb dunks
kate spade purses
coach factory outlet
nike air max 90
toms wedges
michael kors purses
gucci belts
toms outlet
michael kors handbags
coach factory outlet online
timberland boots
michael kors outlet clearance
louis vuitton outlet stores
air jordan shoes
fitflop clearance
ray ban outlet
coach factorty outlet
louis vuitton purses
coach outlet store online
louboutin shoes
longchamp handbags
canada goose jackets
jianbin0708
ReplyDeletefitflops sale
ralph lauren
louis vuitton bags
lebron shoes
fitflops sale clearance
michael kors outlet
cartier watches
michael kors outlet
true religion uk outlet
polo ralph lauren outlet
mulberry handbags
fitflop sale
nike uk store
nike air max 90
ray-ban sunglasses
nike tn pas cher
michael kors outlet clearance
reebok trainers
michael kors handbags clearance
michael kors wholesale
burberry outlet online
longchamp pliage
nba jerseys
ralph lauren outlet
rolex watches
kate spade uk outlet
hermes bags
christian louboutin outlet
tory burch shoes
cheap ray ban sunglasses
tory burch sandals
cheap football shirts
oakley sunglasses wholesale
mulberry sale
cheap jordans
true religion outlet
coach outlet
ReplyDeleterolex watches outlet
louis vuitton purses
juicy couture
ray ban sunglasses
coach outlet store online
oakley sunglasses
coach outlet
michael kors outlet
toms shoes
coach outlet store online
supra shoes
ray ban sunglasses outlet
timberland boots
nike factory outlet
coach outlet
michael kors outlet
michael kors handbags
kate spade handbags
tory burch outlet
michael kors outlet
coach outlet
cheap jordan shoes
ray ban sunglasses outlet
hermes handbags
true religion outlet
coach outlet
ralph lauren outlet
rolex watches
chenyingying20160806
cheap toms shoes
ReplyDeletecheap tory burch handbags
michael kors handbags clearance
kate spade outlet
kate spade outlet
ray ban glasses
minnesota vikings jerseys
gucci handbags
ugg boots outlet
cheap oakley sunglasses
2016.12.28chenlixiang