The problem is, if we're having a debate, we need people to CHAMPION the ACA.

[karynnj]

18. Bernie was on the HELP committee and wrote at least one important piece of ACA

- community health clinics. In many rural states, this has been an essential part of the ACA. Two of the three you mentioned were not involved in creating the ACA. Not to mention, Barney Frank is not that good an emissary to people not already with him.

He also has the respect of some of the people in the middle who are in red states. We need pressure on their Senators. Did you watch the town hall he had in West Virginia that Chris Hayes was involved with? He was very very good in translating the issues to the needs of the audience -- and that might be what is needed. (For instance, what if he can reach many people who put pressure on Capito -- WV is a very poor state that desperately needs health care. That is why she was a target in earlier battles on this.)

I think the Democrats CHOOSE Klobichar and Sanders for a good reason. Both are extremely knowledgeable, committed on this issue, and are more likely than the 3 people you listed to actually be able to reach people in the middle and even Republicans. (Not to mention, Frank might be more likely if the issue was financial reform (Dodd/Frank, the Consumer Protection Agency).