Meaning: This quote by David Axelrod, a prominent political consultant and public servant, reflects the challenges and complexities involved in introducing and implementing significant reforms. The quote is from a speech Axelrod gave during the debate over the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States, also known as Obamacare. In this speech, Axelrod emphasizes the idea that people will only truly understand and appreciate the impact of a reform once it is put into practice and becomes a tangible reality.

The context of the quote is important for understanding its significance. The ACA was a major piece of legislation aimed at reforming the healthcare system in the United States. It was a highly contentious and polarizing issue, with strong opposition and support from different segments of the population and the political spectrum. As a key advisor to President Barack Obama, Axelrod played a central role in advocating for the ACA and navigating the complex political landscape surrounding its passage and implementation.

Axelrod's statement reflects a strategic approach to promoting and implementing significant reforms. He acknowledges the challenges of conveying the full impact of a reform to the public and to lawmakers. The quote suggests that Axelrod recognized the limitations of simply discussing the reform in abstract terms and believed that concrete implementation would be necessary for people to truly understand its implications.

The phrase "the only way people are going to fully appreciate what this reform is if we pass it and implement it and it becomes not a caricature but a reality" encapsulates the idea that the true value and impact of a reform can only be realized once it is put into practice. Axelrod is expressing the belief that the reform needed to move beyond being a mere concept or political talking point and become a tangible reality in people's lives.

Furthermore, Axelrod's reference to "a caricature" reflects the perception that reforms, especially those as comprehensive and far-reaching as the ACA, often become distorted or misrepresented in public discourse. By acknowledging the potential for the reform to be portrayed inaccurately, Axelrod underscores the importance of actual implementation to counteract misperceptions and present the reform in its true form.

The quote also touches on the challenges of political communication and persuasion. Axelrod's statement suggests that he believed it would be easier to garner support for the reform once it was in place and its benefits were being experienced. This reflects an understanding of the dynamics of public opinion and the difficulty of conveying the full scope and impact of a complex reform in the midst of a heated political debate.

In conclusion, David Axelrod's quote captures the strategic approach and challenges involved in promoting and implementing significant reforms. It reflects the recognition that the true impact of a reform can only be fully understood once it is put into practice and becomes a tangible reality. The quote also highlights the complexities of political communication and the need to move beyond abstract discussions to demonstrate the real-world effects of a reform.