But a funny thing seems to be happening out in the real world, far from Washington. During the summer recess, many members of Congress hold town hall forums. There have been a series of reports showing that the public is asking members “not to take away my health care.” Because some of the reforms have trickled down, people are starting to realize that there are some good parts along with the bad.

Members of the public like the idea that their insurance coverage can’t be taken away if they have a pre-existing condition. Seniors are happy with the fact that the coverage gap on the purchase of drugs has been changed to save them out-of-pocket costs. This is often referred to as closing the “donut hole.” Parents of children in their 20s are equally thrilled that their kids’ health coverage has been extended to age 26.

Maybe the current summer recess will have some impact on the thinking of some members of Congress, helping them realize that Obamacare, with all its warts, will grant 30 million people a chance to get real health insurance for the first time. So if Obamacare isn’t really that bad, why don’t more people like it?

You can blame its unpopularity on the groups that have fought it, but a good chunk of the blame lies with Obama himself, who has failed to make a case for a plan that was destined to be his legacy. Congress will never be able to repeal the landmark law, but the failure of the president to sell his own initiative will haunt him for decades to come.

Jerry Kremer’s new book, “Winning Albany, Untold Stories About the Famous and Not So Famous,” will be available on Oct. 10.