Do Americans Have the Stomach for a Long Health Care Fight?

Friday, June 26, 2009

I find it very interesting that the ABC special on the Obama Administration health care plan tanked in the ratings. Is this an indicator of the public's real interest in health reform? Are American's ready for the battle that is about to ensue?

The Administration seems to be looking to grassroots support, specifically from the grassroots army that helped elect President Obama, to drive the issue home. What does it mean if a highly publicized, primetime network TV special cannot generate even moderate interest? When political fights start to get nasty, the public tends to turn away in disgust. With such a small audience to begin with, can the President and others sustain real grassroots interest when the debate gets heated?

From a political standpoint, the only consensus on the issue seems to be finding a way to provide coverage to the 47 million American's without health insurance. Even that consensus breaks down as soon as anyone gets into the specifics of how to go about providing coverage.

We're starting to see some battle lines drawn this week, as AHIP and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association came out publically against a public option for health insurance, and the Progressive Caucus of the House Democrats came out saying they will work to defeat any bill that does not include a public option. With powerful trade associations representing the providers, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies all ready to lead the battles for their respective industries, we know the battle will be long and ugly.

Are the American people up for the fight? Public interest is vital to sustain any difficult or controversial legislative battle. Politicians simply won't stick their necks out unless the public holds their feet to the fire. If public support or interest wanes, passing health reform legislation this year becomes a long shot.