How Trump Ended the Obamacare Debate
Republicans once made opposition to the Affordable Care Act central to their message—but their nominee understands the dangers of taking health care away from those who need it.
Less than 60 days out from the presidential vote, however, the issue of Obamacare has all but vanished from the Republican message.
Donald Trump remains virtually silent on Obamacare. Look at Trump’s last 10 speeches—the number since Trump began delivering prepared-text teleprompter remarks. All came during a period of bad news about Obamacare. But, according to the texts released by the campaign, one Trump speech didn’t mention Obamacare at all, while several others devoted just a few—really, a few—words to the subject.
.. Trump early grasped something that has eluded more conventional Republicans over the past seven years: As compared to the Obamacare status quo, mainstream Republican health-care proposals would shrink coverage—and raise out-of-pocket costs—for many millions of Americans.
.. Obamacare is a flawed, unstable program. But it’s something.
.. Republicans will not regain an opportunity to reform health care their way until 2021. By that time, the Affordable Care Act will have been the law of the land for eight years. Its defects will be more visible than ever. The expectations generated by the act will be more entrenched than ever, too.