This:
"heck even argue for Senator Kennedy's Medicare For All Bill."

On the economy, the two important numbers, of course, are GDP & unemployment. I believe unemployment, while being a lagging indicator, is the more important number as it's what most people are worried about. If you have a job you can get by without health care, but not the other way around.

Many of the economists I have faith in believe GDP will improve before the jobs numbers. And, the Obama administration will probably point to improving GDP as proof their "green shoots" are blossoming, and "prosperity is just around the corner."

The problem for the Democrats is that the GDP numbers are misleading, as many economists think changes need to be made in how the number is formulated. People now think if GDP is rising then the economy is growing and that job growth will follow. But that's not necessarily so. A lot of the GDP number is financial in scope, not productive, industrial, job creating growth. J.P. Morgan swapping financial instruments with other institutions may add to their bottom line, and add to GDP growth, but does little for real growth, or job growth.

Despite the severe fiscal crisis and the crippling unemployment numbers Barack Obama placed all of his engines running on Healthcare reform.  As the summer session ended he again found his campaign stalling out.  He lost control of the narrative, waivered on the public option and lost valuable time seeking bipartisanship from a party that had no leader nor direction.  

Senator Ted Kennedy, beloved brother of John F. Kennedy became the spark that ignited the administration's fire to pass healthcare reform that would honor the life-work of two of our greatest liberals.  His death most appropriately honored, gave us a healthcare system that gave every American security and the right to access to care.

Barack Obama was supported by Ted Kennedy early.  The amount of influence Ted Kennedy wielded was staggering, and just as loyal.  It was Barack Obama he felt best served the party's long term interest and the party was at odds with itself and the primaries were especially bruising.

Ted Kennedy staked his final political legacy into a young African American candidate.  He won.