David Plouffe: November will be nothing like the nightmare that talking heads have forecast

[impik]

Plouffe is coming back to take charge over 2010 election, and he's already working with a long editorial in the Washington Post tomorrow:

We still have much to do before November, and time is running short. Every race has unique characteristics, but there are a few general things that Democrats can do to strengthen our hand.

-- Pass a meaningful health insurance reform package without delay. Americans' health and our nation's long-term fiscal health depend on it. I know that the short-term politics are bad. It's a good plan that's become a demonized caricature. But politically speaking, if we do not pass it, the GOP will continue attacking the plan as if we did anyway, and voters will have no ability to measure its upside. If we do pass it, dozens of protections and benefits take effect this year. Parents won't have to worry their children will be denied coverage just because they have a preexisting condition. Workers won't have to worry that their coverage will be dropped because they get sick. Seniors will feel relief from prescription costs. Only if the plan becomes law will the American people see that all the scary things Sarah Palin and others have predicted -- such as the so-called death panels -- were baseless. We own the bill and the health-care votes. We need to get some of the upside. (P.S.: Health care is a jobs creator.)...

...-- No bed-wetting. This will be a tough election for our party and for many Republican incumbents as well. Instead of fearing what may happen, let's prove that we have more than just the brains to govern -- that we have the guts to govern. Let's fight like hell, not because we want to preserve our status, but because we sincerely believe too many everyday Americans will continue to lose if Republicans and special interests win...

Much more here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/22/AR2010012204216.html

[eleny]

1. I'm encouraged that he's involved

I'll read the whole article. But even this snippet that you posted says a lot.

Thanks! K&R

[BrklynLiberal]

2. Hope he can inject some of that stuff into the administration

[BrklynLiberal]

3. Interesting interview with Plouffe here...

http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780670021338,00.html

[bleever]

4. Make it so.

This is war. Win.

[gristy]

5. If the Democrats frame the 2010 elections as a battle against the "Republicans", they will lose

People are fed up with the corporatist stance of both parties. Many will not even vote when they perceive no difference. If it's framed as the Democrats vs. the Corporatists, they might have a chance.

[FrenchieCat]

6. Let's get it on! This is war and nothing but.

[CTyankee]

11. A month ago, I would agree with you, but since the MA election I am really doubtful.

We had independents and some Dems voting for Brown because of the obnoxious elements in the Senate bill. I think there is something tone deaf about not hearing the message of 70% of Americans who want a public option. Without that, they are repelled by individual mandates, a key portion of this bill. They don't like the health insurance companies now and they sure as hell won't like them when they are forced to buy their insurance! that is clear to me.

And the people all across this country who wonder what happened to Single Payer. Shut out from the get go! OK, maybe it's a long shot, but why just shut these people out of the debate entirely?

And what of the people in their 50s who would LOVE to be able to get Medicare? I know people who have told me they want this. I've heard it over the years again and again. It was considered, hope was high, and then, poof it was gone.

I want President Obama to succeed with all my heart. I just wish he would listen to those voices out their who are telling him what he needs to do.

[Ildem09]

7. Reading Plouffe's book now

as much as i disagree with the current admin on some policy, the dude is a real wonk when it comes to strategy. he knows what he knows and more importantly his knows what he doesn't know

[DrToast]

8. I agree with Plouffe

We're in a rough patch right now, but things are going to improve over the course of the year.

[Syntheto]

9. Yeah, time to bring out...

...the team mascot at halftime... rah, rah, rah, sis boom bah... Who we gonna beat? GOP, GOP, GOP... Who we gonna beat? GOP, GOP, GOP... Who we gonna tea bag? GOP, GOP, GOP!!!!

[FrenchieCat]

12. Why are you here?

[WritingIsMyReligion]

10. I cross-posted this in GD.

Very interesting article...definitely worth reading.

[Name removed]

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