‘Medicare For All’ May Be A Litmus Test For Progressives, But Not All Possible 2020 Hopefuls Are Rushing To Back It
Moderate Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) are bucking the trend of Democratic hopefuls voicing strong support for "Medicare for All." "I want to see universal health care, and there are many ways to get there," Klobuchar said when asked if she backed Medicare for All, whereas Brown has said he supports incremental changes to Medicare.
Politico:
Sherrod Brown Separates From Dem Pack On Medicare, 'Green New Deal' Proposals
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) is declining to say whether he supports "Medicare for all" and "Green New Deal" proposals pushed by other members of his party as he considers a run for president, saying he doesn't need to weigh in to underscore that he's progressive. Brown has been pressed on the health care and climate change ideas as he's toured early primary states and fielded questions from voters and reporters. He has said that he broadly supports the philosophies of expanding Medicare and fighting climate change. Senate colleagues running for president, including Sens. Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand, have gotten behind the proposals. (Strauss, 2/12)
CNN:
Klobuchar Says Progressive Proposals Like 'Medicare-For-All' And Green New Deal Are 'Aspirations'
Presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar doesn't want to get rid of private health care or air travel right away -- but she does see the Green New Deal and "Medicare-for-all" as important discussion-starters to reach key climate and health care goals, she said Tuesday. The Minnesota Democrat -- who announced her bid Sunday morning outside as it snowed -- is pushing her reputation as a common-sense Midwestern moderate and will have to reckon with the party's progressive flank, which is focused on expanding environmental protection initiatives and replacing private insurance with a government health insurance program. (Kelly, 2/12)
