When you look back at what’s been achieved in President Obama’s first term, there’s a lot to take for granted.
We had a stimulus that stopped the layoff crisis and rapidly transformed the green energy industry across America. But many complain that it wasn’t big enough. We had health care reform that delivered the closest we’ve gotten to universal health care, a goal of progressives for a century. But many complain that it wasn’t a single payer, “Medicare for all” system.
Democrats passed student loan reform that took banks out of the financial aid business and used their share to finance millions more in new loans. We also had credit card reform, financial reform, Lilly Ledbetter, two new Supreme Court justices, a new treaty with Russia that shrinks our nuclear arsenal, and an end to both the war in Iraq and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. We had an administration that stopped defending the indefensible Defense of Marriage Act and a president who supports same-sex marriage.
Though none of these victories are perfect, the sheer number of progressive achievements in the last three and half years are numerous and inspiring. And nearly all of them are at stake in this election.
Here are the 6 groups that have the most to lose if President Obama isn’t re-elected.
Photo credit: AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
College Students
Mitt Romney opposes student loan reform. His budget would drastically cut Pell Grants. And if Obamacare is repealed, 1.6 million students who are now on their parents’ insurance thanks to the reforms may lose coverage.
Photo credit: Sterling College
Seniors
If Obamacare is repealed, millions of seniors will pay more for prescription medication. And that’s just the beginning. Large numbers of seniors rely on Medicaid for nursing homes and help with their Medicare co-pays. If Romney and Ryan cut the budget as they’ve promised, either seniors or the disabled or both will soon see cuts to their coverage.
Photo credit: Ethan Prater
The Uninsured
30 million Americans will get insurance coverage — possibly for the first time if Obamacare is fully implemented in 2014. Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny you coverage or charge you exorbitant rates if you have a pre-existing condition. A Harvard study estimates 45,000 Americans die every year for lack of insurance. This number will reduce dramatically if President Obama is re-elected.
Photo credit: Senator Mark Warner
Parents Of Sick Children
Obamacare already has removed lifetime caps on insurance coverage and ended pre-existing condition restrictions for children. This is simply a lifesaver for parents of children who are extremely ill and would easily go broke trying to save their kids’ lives.
Photo credit: familymwr
Women Who Rely On Planned Parenthood For Basic Health Care
Mitt Romney has promised to cut federal funding for Planned Parenthood. Millions of women who rely on the organization for basic health care may be denied access to the affordable care they’ve come to expect.
Photo credit: Fibonacci Blue
All Americans Who Rely On Medicare
No matter who you are, Romney and Ryan’s Medicare plans will cost you more for the same care seniors receive today.
