Democrats had just passed a law spending unprecedented amounts of government money to help Americans going through an equally unprecedented crisis. Republicans almostly unanimously opposed the legislation, but opinion surveys showed a strong majority of the public had favorable views of the plan.

The year was 2009, and things did not end well for the Democratic Party . The stimulus legislation grew steadily less popular over time as job growth sputtered. The midterm election a year later would wipe out their massive House majority, and usher in a wave of austerity that further hampered the countrys economic comeback.

This time, Democrats insist, will be different. The $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, dubbed the American Rescue Plan, provides far more direct relief to Americans than the 2009 legislation. The White House, full of veterans of President Barack Obama s administration, and Democratic outside groups are preparing to wage an extended political battle to make sure voters appreciate the aid theyre receiving.

Were eyes wide open to the fact that when its signed, we cant just cease our communication efforts, White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who helped lead communications efforts around the stimulus bill, told HuffPost in an interview. I think itll be different than what we did with the [2009 stimulus].

President Joe Biden is set to begin his own victory lap this week, first by signing the law in a ceremony on Thursday and then by delivering a prime-time speech on the anniversary of the nations COVID-19 shutdown. The White House is already promising Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and both of their spouses will hit the road to sell the plan nationally.