Conventional wisdom states that Democrats will be on the defensive in 2014.
I am not a fan of conventional wisdom.
I do not think Democrats should play defense, when it comes to the 2014 elections, or ever.
I think Democrats should embrace ambitious, Progressive plans to energize their base and get them to turnout at historic levels.
And I do believe things like retaking the House and building a Democratic wave are realistic goals.
Of course, to accomplish this, Democrats need solid political strategies, goals, messages, and campaign tools. Unfortunately, it seems that many so-called Democrats are trying to handicap the party in this regard.
However, if there's one message I think Dems need to act upon, it is this:
Stop Running Away From Obamacare.
Even though the enrollment period is not over we know that enough people have signed up that Obamacare is a success. Millions more have access to more affordable or better health care that they wouldn't have otherwise, even without directly enrolling. And the benefits have been accumulating for years.
Now is the time to use Obamacare as a political weapon. One need only look at how zealously the Right is trying to prevent that.
It gives Democrats a direct line to attack almost every GOP incumbent. "They have squandered precious time and energy and resources on 50 failed repeal attempts, and forced a government shutdown that cost the US economy $24 billion, and have not offered any alternative plan in return."
For every person refusing to support Obamacare because they are partisan or misinformed or because they are just plain dumb, there are a dozen who directly benefit from the Affordable Care Act. And even some of those first people probably benefit in ways they can't even fathom.
So why are so many on the Left still reluctant to recognize Obamacare as a political asset?
Even here in Dailykos, home to the most stalwart Liberals, you will still find people quick to talk about Obamacare's flaws, or warn of its impending doom.
As much as spirited debate and intellectual disagreement should be valued, in the case of Obamacare, there are some points that just cannot be negated.
So the Affordable Care Act is not ideal healthcare. Get over it. It's not like raising the minimum wage is the ideal tool for combating income inequality. It's not like the ENDA will cease all workplace injustices. It's not like defeating Keystone XL will turn the corner on climate change. No policy is ideal, but that should never be used to dismiss all the good those policies do in themselves. The ACA is not The Suck.
The fact of the matter is, I don't think Democrats should frame the ACA as a success simply for the political points. The reason I keep coming back to touting Obamacare as a political weapon is that, simply put, it does so much good for our communities.
If you really don't think this is something people will run to the polls to defend, think from a parent's point of view.
I do not have to fear having to go without healthcare for my family even if I unexpectedly lose my job, or can't find a new one. I no longer have to jeopardize my family's health because I have to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. I do not have to fear going to the emergency room if one of my kid's is seriously injured.
Think from a young American's point of view.
I can stay on my parent's plan while I finish college and begin my career. I do not have to worry about not having insurance preventing me from travelling or pursuing the activities I want to pursue. I will have medical support backing me up as I become more independent and learn how to responsibly care for myself and others.
Think from an elderly citizen's point of view.
I no longer have to choose between my health and my quality of life. I no longer have to worry about becoming a burden to my children and their families. I no longer have to fear skyrocketing medical expenditures because of my advancing age.
Finally, think from a general member of society's point of view.
I can get on my partner's health plan even if we're in a same-sex marriage. I don't have to worry about losing health insurance because I develop Cancer or HIV/AIDs or any other terrifying illness. I don't have to worry about rising health costs weighing down economic recovery.
These are all accomplishments worth publicizing. Not apologizing for.
And any of these points, for someone out there, could mean the difference between treatment and life, or death.