They can see the trends. Healthcare is a losing issue for them even when they win. The public hates it. Obama's approval is dropping like a rock.
On the other hand, they see some leading indicators showing the economy is coming out of the recession and they are trying to ride the trend knowing that the job numbers trail other indicators. They are getting ready to milk the numbers for an "I told you so" moment so they appear to be the economic savior. Even Clinton figured out "its the economy, stupid".