From TPM Reader MN …
As an Obama supporter and volunteer during the 2008 primary and general election, I can tell you that nothing motivated me more than the prospect of LOSING. I live in NH, and the ground game is important to winning here. If I had expected an easy win, I wouldn’t have even volunteered or contributed $1. But I felt like Obama’s campaign needed me — and many others — to work for him so he could win. I do not feel that same necessity with health insurance reform. Each time the President says “We will pass health insurance reform this year,” each time I hear congressman (from both parties!) and pundits predict that, despite recent setbacks, health insurance reform is very likely to pass THIS YEAR, I think to myself, “Ok, he’s got this in the bag. He doesn’t need me to do anything.” I want health insurance reform. And in my opinion, ANY of the bills that have been drafted would be huge steps forward. Ironically, all the progress made so far makes me less willing to fight for it. I don’t know what the President can say to get all of us more motivated, but it might just come down to waiting for his back to be against the wall again.
