The clamorous claims from right wing quarters of creeping socialism and the sky falling on grandma have dramatically reframed the debate on health care reform. While progressives wring hands over a bipartisan-obsessed Obama having provided a tactical opening to the nearly impotent Republicans, the approaching end game seems to favor Obama--at the expense of the left.
Previously, health care was an arcane policy area debated only by data-minded wonks. But now all stripes of rabble have occupied the public sphere--many with little to no factual standing. Voluminous assertions have eclipsed thoughtful analysis.
Whether such theatrics are well coordinated GOP scare tactics or a more organic animus to change matters little. No drama Obama by comparison comes off looking like a cool-headed moderate.
He never had a chance at support from the rightmost quarter of the electorate, so it is rather unimportant that they be up in arms. The theoretical danger would be that such fervent opposition could influence the leanings of the moderate middle. But the evidence-immune shrilly shouting down, instead of considerately hearing out, would-be consensus builders has the effect of cementing the political middle into their party preference from last November.
The risk Obama runs in tacking toward insurance reform rather than government provision of health care is that of alienating his left wing base. However, the more the right wing bellows about Obama being a closet socialist, the more real closet socialists will give Obama the benefit of the doubt. In effect, the loudmouth antics of the far right are doing Obama’s hand holding of the left for him as he abandons their key policy preferences.
If the right wing had kept its composure and come to the table with the optimistic humility of a loyal minority, the left would have demanded due consideration commensurate with their critical contribution to the Democratic majority and the Obama presidency. But as it stands, the left is now too busy defending their alleged socialist leader from right wing attacks to push credibly for the public option.
The heated health care jousting has allowed Obama to stay in the invulnerable center without losing the allegiance of the left.
Sep 2, 2009
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5 sucka ass fools had something to say:
"Real closet-socialists" aren't influenced by Sean Hannity.
True socialists may pay no mind to Sean Hannity, as they see him as just an epiphenomenal effect of the base structure of capitalism. But the white liberal progressives do get their panties in a bunch from right wing ideologues. Seems like they have been conditioned by the Bush years to cry havoc--forgetting that the right is marginalized and deserves little attention. Whether from habit or as a concerted political/ratings strategy, Air America and Move On Dot Org tend to spend more time decrying the right wing lunacy than bracketing the right and focusing on the policy proposals of the Democratic majority.
Please do not tie Hannity in any way to capitalism...sensationalism and pandering is the "new" capatilism and not at its base.
I meant to say that Hannity et al are the mouthpieces that justify corporate capitalism to the little guy, by making him side with his cultural interests over economic interests. These winger ideologues also draw the attention of the bougy leftists--who then rush instinctively to Obama's defense, even if that is not in line with their proclaimed preferences.
Putting that aside, I welcome thee, Mr. IrateBolshevik, to our humble virtual outpost. You shall make a fine addition to the mighty clash between we conquering men and the crude cowering culture.
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