| Michael Doonan -
The President has to do three things. First, regain control of this issue. Focus attention on how reform can help the middle class and get away from anything could be characterized or mischaracterized as “socialized medicine,” “big government,” or “rationing.”
Second, he needs to connect with the American people and boost political support for reform so that moderate Democrats will not fear reprisals in the next election.
Third, and most dangerous, he needs to provide specifics and direction. Areas to watch are the public option, ways to finance reforms, and cost control mechanisms. The danger is that while platitudes or shared values unite us, specifics identifying who wins and who loses divide us. The President will have to walk a fine line. | 