Republican Overreaching Might Have Saved Health Care Reform

It wasn't looking very good. Democrats seemed to be retreating into their default position -- fetal -- in the wake of this latest sustained Republican tantrum. It seems as if after so many years in captivity (the Reagan/Bush years), Democrats, now not only freed but supposedly in control, still carry with them the emotional memory of subservience.

The Republicans seem to have exactly the opposite problem. They're like Japanese soldiers marooned on islands in the South Pacific, still believing that their empire stands strong.

Finally, thanks to Republican overreaching, Democrats might be waking up and remembering that they're now the guards and not the inmates.

Democratic passivity, in this case, has actually turned into a blessing. Dems can now turn to skeptical independents and say, "See, the Republicans don't even want watered-down health-care co-ops. They don't want any competition for the health-care giants at all. They only want to defeat this president and insure more obscene profiteering by their pals in the health-care industry. Democrats are riding to the aid of hardworking, middle-class Americans, reforming a system that is literally bankrupting tens of thousands of us each year."

Republican Joe Scarborough gave the Democrats some free, obvious advice on his show weeks ago. He said forget the Republicans, they're never going to compromise. Just corral the Blue Dogs in the White House and don't let them out until they figure out what's the biggest pill they can swallow.

The Blue Dogs are smart enough to know that their future is tied to the president's, and the president's future is tied to the passage of meaningful health-care reform.

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Comments

[Katie101622]

Joe Scar, huh? Well wonders never cease.

I think your assessment of the Blue Dogs' futures with the President are spot-on. They're talking a big game now, but they're going to know they can't get re-elected if they're the reason health care didn't pass, no matter how red their constituents might be,.

[gotovt]

The only thing I can say about Joe Sacr's comment is:

Even a blind Squirrel finds a nut every once in a while.

[eklektikone]

You make a good point Trey, and maybe I can sleep a bit easier tonight knowing it. The people who really determine outcomes are those Independents, critical thinkers who can easily see the unmasked Republican is an ugly, untenable choice. Basically, the Democrats have given the Republicans enough rope to hang themselves. Obligingly, the Republicans are hanging their reprobate and bankrupt ideas for all to see.

[lori572]

Americans love our medicare! We sure found that out. Give us what we trust, know, love and have faith in. Why settle, especially when a lot of republican retirees trust medicare and can set their family and friends straight. There isn't a good argument against medicare.

anyone doing wrist bands, t-shirts or the like to show more public support? (Makes me think of what liberal left wingers show up with at town halls; diplomas?) Best, does any one have an idea for using some existing common or cheap item to use to show solidarity? A step above a neckerchief but below a specialty product. something from around the house...ma­ybe used by seniors...­.maybe a t-shirt and marker pen....ide­as?

[mheister]

The Dems also noted the howls of fury from within their base over the possibility of dropping the public option. If the politicians don't have a spine, their supporters will be more than happy to surgically install one.

[mbsq]

here's hoping you're right

[desertdweller]

Even the Blue Dogs will one day try to take credit for Health Care Reform (with a Public Option) once it passes.

[WorkingClass]

They just want to make you THINK they are cowards so you wont notice they are crooks.