For my 2301's, as we begin to discuss political parties:
Political science types tend to argue that parties must provide clear alternatives to the voters in order to provide them a choice. This allows the population to collectively influence the direction of public policy, enhancing the democratic nature of the republic. If this is true, then the division of the parties on health care provides such an opportunity -- assuming nothing else comes up between now and November to overshadow health care.
William Saletan says as much in Slate. He wonders whether there might be risks for Republicans in opposing the bill after Democrats are able to shift to campaign mode presenting the bill in a positive light:
This is the risk Republicans have taken by voting unanimously against health care reform. They've bet their whole party against it. If the public hates the program, they'll be rewarded at the polls. But if the public likes it, they're in trouble. And if the public fears it might be taken it away, they could suffer a beating, as they did in 1996 when voters feared cuts in Medicare.
