While saying they are lions, Republicans will not win with a public image like this
For the Establishment types that live in Wonderland, here is some information that will provide some heart, brain, and courage.
The heart of opposition to Obamacare should be instinctual for Republicans, other than RINOs. The takeover of one seventh of the economy by bureaucrats is to be opposed no matter what the sector most directly affected, but especially when it comes to health care because of the horrendous implications. There are conservative alternatives to Obamacare. We will assume there may be Republican establishment preference (heart) for them compared to Obamacare.
Here is a dose of brain power. Russ Vought, Political Director of Heritage Action, has produced a very compelling reference — Defunding Obamacare: Questions & Answers, Excuses & Responses . Furthermore, a who, what, why and when are found in this article also from Heritage Action.
As for some “courage,” well it has to be of the type politcos understand. Recent polling sponsored by Heritage Action indicates broad support for defunding ObamaCare. The poll was conducted in ten congressional districts “leaning but not safe” Republican, currently held by six Republicans and four Democrats. RedState reports on the polling here. The specter of “shutting down government,” a Democrat shibboleth that Republican weak sisters like Karl Rove repeat endlessly is addressed in the poll and associated analysis.
By a two to one margin (60%-29%), voters approve of a temporary slowdown in nonessential federal government operations, which still left all essential government services running.
More encouraging for defunding supporters is that the potential of President Obama forcing a partial government shutdown over defunding ObamaCare will not be blamed solely on Republicans. Thirty-three percent would blame “Republicans in Congress” or “The TEA Party,” 41% would blame “Democrats in Congress” or “President Obama,” and 17% would blame “all of them.” Independents would spread the blame among groups on the Right, 36%, groups on the Left 30% and 26% would blame both.
Heritage Action for America CEO Michael A. Needham said, “House Republicans should be much more concerned with the fallout of failing to defund ObamaCare than with the imaginary fallout of doing so.”
The poll found that a majority would be less likely to support the reelection efforts of House members who voted to continue ObamaCare funding while 48 percent said they’d be more likely to support a member who did “everything” they could to slow down implementation of the law.
Other polls indicate broad dissatisfaction with ObamaCare and that Obama’s general approval rating is at its lowest. That should provide an adequate dose of courage to Republican establishment types that typically need inducement to do the right thing.
We believe the 2014 election could add to 2010 successes in Congress and the states with Republicans forthrightly and consistently running in opposition to overreaching government and by taking advantage of the uneasiness regarding Democrats in the White House and the Senate. Demonstrating authenticity by trying to stop Obamacare, the popular thing to do, is necessary and opportune.
At the local level maybe we should add a tongue to the mix so that the leadership might try to contact the grassroots and get support out to save the country from Obamacare. R Mall
