Ronald Brownstein
The Atlantic
Originally posted 10 Jan 24
Donald Trump’s renewed pledge on social media and in campaign rallies to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act has put him on a collision course with a widening circle of Republican constituencies directly benefiting from the law.
In 2017, when Trump and congressional Republicans tried and failed to repeal the ACA, also known as Obamacare, they faced the core contradiction that many of the law’s principal beneficiaries were people and institutions that favored the GOP. That list included lower-middle-income workers without college degrees, older adults in the final years before retirement, and rural communities.
Here's the gist:
- Trump's stance: He believes Obamacare is a "catastrophe" and wants to replace it with "MUCH BETTER HEALTHCARE."
- Challenges: Repealing Obamacare is likely an uphill battle. Its popularity has increased, and even some Republicans benefit from the law.
- Potential consequences: If Trump succeeds, millions of Americans could lose their health insurance, while others face higher premiums.
- Political implications: Trump's renewed focus on Obamacare could energize his base but alienate moderate voters.
