In Confusion Following Collapse Of Health Bill, Supporters Of Single-Payer Seize The Moment
While the far-left branch of the Democratic party knows there's not much they can get through at the moment, they're hoping to build momentum so they'll be ready to move if Democrats regain any power in the next elections. Meanwhile, Democrats are waiting for a little Republican outreach.
The Washington Post:
Liberals See Fresh Opportunity In Health Care After GOP Meltdown
Liberals are pushing in from the left with their own health-care solutions, looking to gain new ground after last week’s Republican meltdown over an Obamacare replacement. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee, a political action committee that aims to represent the “Elizabeth Warren wing of the Democratic Party,” began circulating a petition Wednesday calling for every person to have access to a Medicare-type plan — an idea supported by the party’s left wing but viewed with some skepticism by moderates. (Cunningham and Weigel, 3/29)
USA Today:
Democrats Fear Obamacare Attacks, Not Outreach, From White House
If at first he didn't succeed in Congress, President Trump may nevertheless be poised to undercut the Affordable Care Act. After a stinging defeat on health care in Congress last week, Trump said Tuesday night that cutting a deal with Democrats will be "such an easy one." Yet House and Senate Democrats say there's been no outreach while the White House clarifies it remains committed to repealing Obamacare. Meantime Trump could use a pending lawsuit and agency directives to help short-circuit the current health care law. (Przybyla, 3/29)
The Hill:
Dems Wait For GOP Olive Branch After ObamaCare Debacle
House Republicans flew through ObamaCare repeal and replace solo, attempting to pass the legislation quickly this year without a single Democratic vote. Now some, including those who helped kill the bill, are calling for bipartisanship. But Democrats feel burned in the process and before lending a helping hand say they need to first see clear signals Republicans are committed to working across the aisle. (Roubein, 3/29)
The Hill:
Senate Dems To Trump: Work With Us On ObamaCare
Senate Democrats are pressing President Trump to drop the GOP effort to repeal ObamaCare and work with them to fix it. Forty-four Democratic senators signed a letter to Trump, sent Wednesday, stating that they "remain ready and willing to work with him."...Wednesday's letter comes at a time when some House Republicans are eyeing a second run at their legislation to nix the Obama-era law, though Senate GOP leadership is signaling they want to move on to other policy fights, including the Supreme Court and funding the government. (Carney, 3/29)
KQED:
Reality Check: Trump’s Claim That A Health Care Deal With Dems Is ‘Easy’
The fallout from Friday’s Republican health care bill collapse is still trying to be understood. Right after the bill was pulled, President Trump teased that he wanted to work with Democrats and believed a bipartisan bill would be possible. But it wasn’t clear if that was just talk. On Tuesday night, he may have taken the first step to trying to reach across the aisle. (Montanaro, 3/29)