Robert Shrum, Democratic strategist and NYU Wagner School

Is it time for Democrats to grow concerned? With Midterms 2014 picking up speed, the President’s approval numbers have fallen. Recent Obamacare sign-ups increased, but how popular is the program with voters – especially voters in key states? Internationally, new challenges in Russia, Crimea, Syria and more – along with new questions on President Obama’s influence and leadership.How should Democratic candidates handle these issues – not to mention whatever local issues each will surely face? How concerned should they be?Bob Shrum has been designing political strategy and giving campaign advice since he wrote speeches for George McGovern in 1972 – and probably before that. He has advised candidates for President, 30 winning Senate races, eight winning Governor races, the House, Mayors – even Israel and the UK. He currently serves as Senior Fellow at NYU’s Wagner School of Graduate School of Public Service.