The political effects of a federal overhaul of the health care system signed by President Obama could take some time to see clearly.
UW political scientist David Canon says got their bill, Republicans got their chance to tell Americans how bad it will be. He says action on the measure was a must for Democrats, since a loss would have pretty much marked the end of their political agenda for the current Congressional session.
However, passage also gives Republicans ammunition for the upcoming election season. Canon says it will unlikely remain on the front page of the papers through next fall, but it can still be used to “rile up” those who were opposed to the reforms.
How it all actually plays out at election time, Canon says, will probably have to wait until November.
AUDIO: John Colbert reports (:35)