Support your local Blue Dog...

…And Blue Dogs must support Obama’s health care reform.

First understand my Blue Dog Rising  handle does not mean I’m a member of nor a sympathizer with the Dem Blue Dog caucus in Congress.  I’m just a blue dog who rises after balls and frisbees (see pic on Twitter).  But I’m compelled to weigh in on the current healthcare drama over John Boccieri and other blue dog and progressive House Ds from Ohio.

In the coming days,  Progressives really must encourage (OK, pressure if necessary) Boccieri, Charlie Wilson, Zack Space on health care.  but then we should promise our support for them in the fall.     Also do it for Reps. Betty Sutton, Steve Driehaus,  MJ Kilroy and Commissioner Paula Brooks in the Dem-targeted races. And maybe even renegade “no” voter Dennis Kucinich.

Then, Blue Dog House members like  Boccieri, Wilson and Space must suck it up  and vote YES on the health care reform plan – and yes, the Senate version with key changes.  For two reasons:  1. It’s the right thing to do and 2. It’s the politically smart thing to do for 2010 elections.  (Dennis the Menace  would be smart to support Obama too instead of playing his usual game of purity posturing because he’s in a safe district. He might gain himself a little accidental clout in DC.)

On reason No. 1… it’s the right thing to do because it’s the moral thing and the practical thing. It will change the broken health care system and  create  health security for American who can’t self-fund their health needs, including health insurance premiums. It also will help America’s (and Ohio’s)  biggest job-creating engine, small business. Obama made that case very well today in Philly.

On Reason No. 2 – it’s the politically smart for Dems in 2010 elections. Ohio House Dems ( except Boccieri and Kucinich)  have already voted for the health care bill in 2009.  The GOP lies and ads about “socialism” and “Medicare (Advantage) cuts”  are already in the can and will spew forth.  Passing a health care reform LAW by April will enable Dems to counter with the message of the No. 1 reason: Dems have done the right thing for Americans while decreasing the long-range debt and prioritizing jobs from 2009 on.  Another No. 2 Reason factor for 2010 elections:  Not passing the law will keep the GOP target on Dem backs in the fall while de-energizing at least part of the Dem base who believe health care reform IS a priority.

Progressives Dems can “persuade”  Ohio dogs by reminding them of all this.  But it’s better to do it in a positive way than a threatening way.   Put down the rolled up newspaper  and promise them the milk bone treats of contribution dollars (large or small)  and volunteer time. Progressive Bloggers can do it with their words of encouragement (and wingnut discouragement) that  motivates other progressives Plus progressive bloggers can use their insights and arguments to impact MSM  free media and polices GOP paid media. 

At times, they may vote like Republicans, but even skittish Blue Dog Dems know this about 2010:  Without the base, there is no race