Why shouldn't healthcare reform be a national referendum?

[kentuck]

I have heard numerous politicians say that if it doesn't get done by Christmas, it is dead. Because next year is an election year?? Shouldn't that be when they are talking about it? Or do they not believe strong enough in their position to fight for it?

Much of it is in the framing. When we get it down to the common denominator, either you are with the people or you are with the insurance companies. All the excuses and rationales do not change that fact. So why are the Democrats so afraid of an election year?

[notesdev]

1. no provision for it

first you'd need to change the Constitution to allow for referendums.

[kentuck]

2. I meant as an issue in the next election.

Make it the primary issue in the next campaign. Politicians should be willing to defend their position if they are for reform. Why can they not discuss it in an election year?

[notesdev]

3. I'm sure it will be

[Freddie Stubbs]

4. It is much more complicated than a yes or no issue

Just about every member of Congress can go back to their constituents and say with a straight face that they support health care reform. It's just a matter of what form that reform takes. And they can blame the other party (or others in their own party) for blocking the reform that he wants.

[kentuck]

5. Absolutely!

It's about framing the issue. Republicans are better at it, I admit.