I live in the north-central lower peninsula of Michigan, unfortunately in the 4th Congressional District. It’s solidly Republican. The Democrat didn’t garner 40% in 2012. I also live fairly close the the First Congressional District so I see most of the political ads for that district. That is Bart Stupak’s old district. It went for Obama in 2008, and in 2012 the Republican won by less than one percent of the total votes cast. I believe that it could be in play this year.
Lon Johnson is the Democratic candidate and IMO has been running a fairly competent campaign against the Republican Jack Bergman, a retired Marine Lt. General. Recently though, Bergman has run ads against Obamacare. The most recent Bergman ad features none other than Bill Clinton criticizing the ADA. (Those who didn’t think that the timing of Bill’s comments wasn’t mind-blowingly stupid need to think again. Thanks “Big Dog”.) Thus far there has been no response from the Johnson campaign.
The incumbent in Michigan's first district is retiring Republican Dan Benishek, a physician by trade. His campaign ads in 2014 continually disparaged the ACA as hurting citizens, while portraying the candidate as the kind and caring "Doctor Dan". Would it have been difficult for Democrats to have found someone with pre-existing conditions and asked the the good doctor if he cared about that person? Would it be difficult to ask Bergman, the "straight talking” Marine, the same question during this election?
Most people know someone who has survived life-threatening illness because they had insurance and someone who has died because they didn't. The Democrats could make a very personal connection with voters by pointing out that the ACA saved lives. In Michigan’s first district, they chose not to do so in 2014 and have yet to respond in 2016.
I favored and still favor Medicare for all. I believe President Obama should have at least pushed for the public option; but Obamacare, with it’s flaws, is still an improvement and has saved lives. We could improve it if the Republicans were not obstructionists. If a socialist like me can point that out to Republican acquaintances, why can’t mainstream Democrats do likewise?