There was no health care bounce. In fact, there has been something of a health care swoon.
Democrats have seen the favorable rating of their party drop to the lowest level ever recorded by Gallup — 41 percent — and the president’s job approval rating remains below 50 percent.
Now, as Congress returns to work after a two-week Easter break, the choice before the majority party is this: keep plunging ahead or start running for cover?
President Obama is brimming with transformational ideas. Aside from ratifying a controversial nuclear treaty and confirming a new liberal Supreme Court justice, Obama wants new rules on bank bailouts, immigration reform and global warming legislation.
But Democrats are feeling skittish after being back among their constituents.
Rep. Bart Stupak gave up his bid for a 10th term as tea partiers swarmed his Michigan district. Stupak’s retreat on his abortion concerns in the president’s health plan allowed the bill to become law. His flip-flop also seems to have undone his career.
His fellow Democrats were mostly mum about health care during the spring break.
When they did speak publicly, it was about bringing home the appropriations bacon or their efforts to create jobs.
The Washington Examiner
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