However, every single D out there called him "McBush" and whole campaigns were based on how "notBush" and by extension "notMcBush" they were.That's where you take a mis-step. McCain wasn't Bush either.
Obama (and Hillary, when the primaries were going on) ran loud & clear on not just healthcare reform, but universal healthcare. Before the TEA party version of fear factor started, most polls showed pretty widespread support for it, as well. The election was as much a referendum on that as anything.
People aren't happy about healthcare, Damo. They're not happy about the costs, they're not happy about the companies they work for constantly raising premiums or dropping coverage altogether, and they are most certainly not happy about being denied coverage when they have insurance, or having to fight tooth & nail for coverage they have paid for.
I understand people aren't happy about health care, Onceler. They are even more unhappy with the current malformation legislation proposed and attempting to be forced upon them. Most people understand that this isn't the "solution" we're looking for and we should start looking elsewhere for a solution we can get behind rather than one that we have to push over at onset.