Well, he’s right. Could have taken a big bite out of Obamacare, but FC blocked it on the gamble that Democrat support for it will collapse as the system collapses. It will collapse and its support will collapse, but the reality is the only changes they’ll accept are single payer/public option.
Imagine if a Progressive Caucus blocked Obamacare in 2009, insisting on Medicare for all and nothing less. We should be so lucky, but Democrats play the long game, taking gains where they can get them, while the GOP is the stupid party.
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.
Our side is all or nothing - Dems are smart enough to go with increments.
Our side is all or nothing - Dems are smart enough to go with increments.