How Medicare Will Define 2012 Campaign

The Takeaway

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called a vote on Representative Paul Ryan’s Medicare plan Wednesday, forcing lawmakers to take sides on what has become a defining issue for the 2012 campaign.  The vote comes one day after Democrat Kathy Hochul’s upset victory in New York’s heavily Republican 26th Congressional District. The vote was seen as a chance to test the air on Medicare reform, and Hochul’s victory made one thing clear: the winds have changed. Jennifer  Steinhauer, congressional correspondent for The New York Times, says that with an election year on the horizon, Democrats are using the opportunity to puff up their sails –  while some Republicans are scrambling to change tack.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!