Let’s get something straight right off the bat, Healthcare Reform is a B-I-G issue. It goes without saying that ahead of actually making a decision on any big issue that people naturally get cautious, worried, and more emotional (than objective). It’s impossible to know with certainty what the future will bring, and it’s especially true for big, important decisions, which naturally leads to more angst than is typically warranted. (For example, think about how much you worry about doing your taxes verses the effort of actually doing them.)
That said, I think President Obama will make great strides tonight if he can do the following:
- Does he explain / clarify the problem facing America? And Americans?
- Does he explain his goals / expectations?
- Does he explain his thoughts and plans on what must be done to correct / solve the problem?
If he can succeed on educating, clarifying, and leading on what — beyond National Security and the Economy as a whole — is perhaps the most complicated issue facing America today, don’t be surprised to see a much more favorable turn in the tide of public opinion (despite the fact a great many people actually favor the Public Option when it’s explained to them).
If ‘Death Panels’ still make the headlines after the speech, it could be a long haul — It does not take a lot of friction to reduce momentum. But if ‘Death Panels’ tip toward being perceived as the nonsensical scare tactic it is, then a renewed sense of purpose might win the day over the coming weeks.
And a renewed sense of purpose might appear even if President Obama makes strides on just two of the above (any two), thereby succeeding in forcing the argument toward actual progress, not persistent do-nothing.
