… Democrats are correct when they say that many of the individual elements in the pair of spending packages—the more traditional, physical-infrastructure bill, and the expansion of the social safety net via reconciliation—score well when tested in polls. If enacted, they’ll surely prove as popular as Obamacare. After all, while the Affordable Care Act initially had real political problems and contributed to Democrats losing their congressional majorities, now its approval ratings are in positive territory. But how much of it will be seen, felt, and touched by voters between now and the midterm elections, just over 14 months away?
No matter how things shake out, Democrats risk political exposure. Should they succeed in their legislative ambitions, will Biden and Democrats be seen as going too far, the same type of overreach that has tripped up many a president and congressional majority over the years? If they don’t get the job done, will voters perceive Biden and Democrats as ineffective or incompetent? Both are key questions given that midterm elections are almost always referenda on the party in power. CONTINUED
Charlie Cook
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