Democrats Face Delicate Challenge in Health Care Debate Ahead of Midterm Elections

Strategic Insights -

As the November midterm elections approach, Democratic candidates are facing a daunting task: preventing health care from becoming the key to their defeat. The party's efforts to pass a comprehensive health care overhaul have stalled, leaving Democrats vulnerable to criticism that they failed to deliver on their promise of universal coverage.

Key Takeaways:

  • Democrats are now focusing on passing a modest package of changes before November, which they can campaign on as progress towards universal coverage.
  • The party may also attempt to shift the blame for the lack of a comprehensive bill to uncooperative Republicans, although moderate Democrats may also share some responsibility.
  • Administration officials are trying to portray any legislation that passes this year as the first step towards a future overhaul effort, which can continue next year.
  • Pledges by Democrats to prioritize universal coverage, such as those made by Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala, may come back to haunt the party if they are unable to deliver.
  • The lack of a comprehensive health care bill may hurt Democrats by undermining their party's promise of delivering health coverage to all citizens.
  • A New York Times/CBS News Poll found that 8 in 10 Americans consider it "very important" to receive health insurance coverage, but this support has not translated into widespread public concern about the lack of a comprehensive bill.
  • Some Democrats believe that even if the public does not support the lack of a comprehensive bill, they may not punish incumbents for not producing one if voters are not engaged with the issue.

Statistics:

  • 8 in 10 Americans consider it "very important" to receive health insurance coverage, according to a New York Times/CBS News Poll.
  • The failure to pass a comprehensive health care bill may not have a devastating impact on Democrats in the midterm elections, despite the party's efforts to pass universal coverage.
  • Many Americans were frightened by lobbying efforts from opponents, which left them confused by the array of proposals and counterproposals.

Sources:

  • Representative Vic Fazio, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
  • The New York Times/CBS News Poll
  • Martin Wattenberg, political science professor at the University of California at Irvine
  • Donna E. Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Services
  • Tom Downey, former Representative from New York
  • Jeff Bingaman, Senator from New Mexico
  • Lawrence R. Jacobs, professor who specializes in health and politics at the University of Minnesota
  • Frank Luntz, Republican pollster
  • Charles Rolland, chairman of the Washington Democratic Party