Ahead of Wednesday’s House vote on repealing the new health care law, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer assessed how the Democrats ended up so deeply on the defensive over their signature accomplishment.
In short, he said it was a messaging fail.
“None of us did a good enough job, because public opinion is divided and unsure of whether this legislation is going to be positive for them and their families,” Hoyer told reporters at his weekly press availability. “About half are, and about half are not sure.”
Congressional Democrats and the White House are trying harder than ever before to turn the tables on the GOP — characterizing repeal as a benefit cut for voters, and a danger to the economy. Hoyer said that’s not simply a function of the upcoming repeal vote, but rather a long-term strategy to reverse course before the 2012 elections.
“Is this going to be a two year process? I think it will be,” Hoyer said. “This is a signature issues of [the President’s].”
