The Politics of Health Care
The stakes are high for President Obama and Mitt Romney.
Mitt Romney's campaign says it has taken in $5.5million in contributions. President Obama's camp says they have raised more than Romney, but won't release a figure. The high court's ruling is mobilizing Americans in both parties. But the question is-whose message on the health care issue, gets the ear of independents?
David Redlawsk,a political analyst at Rutgers University, NJ opines, “This is a massive tax increase. They also run on -we need to repeal it. It's a government overreach. It's terrible for the economy and so on and so forth."
But the task is a bit trickier for Mitt Romney.
"This is a challenge because Romney did exactly this, as governor of Massachusetts. He's been trying to run away from it, in this campaign. And what we haven't heard Romney do, is push the tax point," adds Redlawsk.
For his part, President Barack Obama doesn't call it a tax either. But he is breathing a bit easier, with his signature piece of legislation, upheld.
Redlawsk explains, "There's some polling showing a small uptick, in support of the Affordable Care Act, in general, and the Supreme Court's decision. But more importantly he doesn't need to go around and defend it, the way he'd have to, if the court ruled it unconstitutional."
Yet democrats in general and specifically those running for office this yea,r seem unsure how to use the health care issue.
"I think the problem for democrats, is the White House hasn't taken the type of lead, it should take. Obama's not done the type of messaging over the last couple years, about why from their perspective this is a good thing for Americans," states Redlawsk.
And some experts think, that may leave the door open for a few incumbent congress members, to be unseated.
But professor David Redlawsk points out,"Every little bit the Republicans can get, is useful. But these are folks who already protected themselves to some degree, against these type of attacks. They're very moderate, almost conservative democrats."
The GOP war-cry to overturn the law is catching attention...
“Anyone who thinks this through, knows the promise to overturn Obamacare is hot air. It can not happen unless Republicans not only won the White House, held the house and got 60 votes in the senate!" says Redlawsk.
For now, Romney is riding high on million dollar contributions and election year rhetoric. Come November, the votes will tell the true story behind the impact of the ACA.
More News
- NYC Celebrates with Turkish Parade
- Brazil Prepares for Olympics, World Cup
- Anatolian Festival Underway in Los Angeles
- Japan Economy on the Road to Recovery
- CPA: Undue Scrutiny, Not Surprising
- Preparing for the Olympics, World Cup
- Campaign Ignited to Raise Smoking Age
- Atty. Gen. denies involvement in AP case to Congress
- National Peace Officer's Memorial Service
- Cellular Carriers: Don't text and drive
