by publius

Under the "breakthrough" in the House, there will be no vote on health care before the August recess. Politico adds:

Republicans, meanwhile, are ready to use the August recess to rip the bill apart and attack Democrats in their home districts.

Democrats need to explain the bill. No argument there. But they shouldn't devote 100% of the time to defense. There should also be a strong coordinated attack on Republicans (or Dems) for opposing "reform," for providing no alternative, for standing with insurance companies, etc.

I suppose it might hurt some feelings, but we shouldn't individualize politics. It isn't about feelings and egos and wooing. It's more structural than that. Politicians vote for things they feel pressure to vote for. They oppose things they feel pressure to vote against. If you want to win, you have to create the right incentives.

If the Dems spend the entire recess trying to fight off every attack, health coverage reform is in jeopardy. If they attack Republicans' defense of the status quo -- if they make it a liability -- reform becomes much more likely.