I agree completely. The democrats will never support anything but single payer for medicare for all going forward. That’s where they are driving this.
The only true constant in US politics is that the dems run their party like a drug cartel and keep their members in line - they focus on the same goals, use the same sound bites, and stay on message and if you violate those they off you or threaten you in the shower and then destroy your career.
The more I’ve tried to think this thru politically, I say better to take a partial bite out of it now with phase 1, let Price do phase 2 thereafter, and drop phase 3 into the mix when the infrastructure bill is circulating.
Anyone who thinks the day when Obamacare collapses and premiums are twice as high as they are now will yield a true free market solution like what the FC is holding out for is dreaming. The political will is not there with 75% of Congress and never will be.
Perhaps many will argue with me on this, but a wise man once said the closest thing to eternal life on this earth is a government program.
As much as I think the 3 phase concept is clunky and hard to market, it was the most pragmatic approach to negotiating a deal. It was a take what you can get approach. Those who forced everyone to walk away from the table will regret that day because less is to be gained in the future in my estimation.
I agree!
I am sorry to say this but it must be admitted, a majority of the country want some sort of government run “low cost working” and/or guaranteed healthcare system. They also want other impossibilities but that’s another discussion.
Also I think Trump feels he owes this to the blue collar labor democrats who broke ranks to give the White House.
So we are going to end up with something awful just not as awful as Zerocare.
“As much as I think the 3 phase concept is clunky and hard to market,...”
Most that follow politics probably think that 3rd phase would vaporize. You do make a good point that it likely would have been attached to a bill enough Dems would have had a tough time not voting for (infrastructure) and with the first phase killing off much of Obamacare, what would be left for Dems to fight to save?