I just listened to a radio ad for a Republican politician running for re-election in New Jersey. The main thrust of his message was repeal of Obamacare.
I wouldn’t vote for this guy simply because he is stupid. Never mind that he is pandering to people he thinks want to hear that message, the reality is that he does not understand human nature or apparently realize that more Americans have benefited from the ACA (at least in the short-term), then have been harmed. He doesn’t realize that the opponents who say they want the Law repealed, really don’t and don’t even understand the law.
Over the last few years I have been asked many times if I thought Obamacare would be repealed, from day one I said the same thing … no way! It will not be repealed anymore than Social Security or Medicare were ever going to be repealed even given the initial opposition to those programs. That is simply because each day the law is in effect more and more people benefit in some way. They have coverage they didn’t have before, they get something for “free,” their costs go down as a result of being able to give up COBRA coverage or enroll an adult child, etc.
The Affordable Care Act is deeply flawed mainly because it does not control health care costs, eventually will be another entitlement burden on government and creates the false impression that any health care can be “free.” It also is gradually causing millions of Americans with employer-based coverage to have their coverage reduced through cost shifting and limits placed on employer contributions… but it will not be repealed. Republicans would be better served setting out changes in the law to make it more effective and yes, “affordable.”
This is an interesting piece from the New York Times
The Vanishing Cry of ‘Repeal It’ – NYTimes.com.
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
I am all in with you on this one dick, i have been making the same prediction for months…and for reasons you suggest. The politically savvy would agree as well. Let’s face it the pre-AHC system was far from perfect. The real debate and far more difficult challenge will involve how to fix it !
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“…The good news is that some Democratic candidates, sensing the same change in the weather, are beginning to campaign on the law’s benefits. Improving access to health care was the right thing for the country, and supporting it may turn out to be good politics, too….”
You missed the #1 point – there are no pricetage. For almost all Americans, health reform’s improvements are FREE!!!!!!!! The D’s understand that lots of Americans are in favor of all the health reform they can get, so long as it matches their goals and objectives – they want the best health coverage YOUR money will buy.
Until and unless Americans identify just who is picking up the tab, you can say repeal, replace, renig, whatever …. no one will listen until the folks can identify why there is less in their wallets.
And, because of that, by the time (if ever) they idenfity the hole in their wallets, what we will have is another Medicare and Social Security … $100+T of unfunded liability (when measured on an indefinite basis)
The real issue here is that this is all in the context of what it takes to get elected … those who are the best at vote buying win!
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Can’t argue with that.
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I agree that they are playing card tricks to obfuscate the real costs. 😦
Politically, I’m seeing just the opposite. Instead of conservative friends giving up on repeal, I’m now hearing liberal friends openly supporting repeal… for the simple reason that they don’t like what has happened to the size of their insurance bills.
It isn’t enough people to get it repealed now, but after Obamacare hits the company sponsored health insurance plans in 2015, which cover a lot more people, yeah I think there will be enough screaming from voters to get O’care repealed.
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I don’t think you are correct for the reasons stated. Think about the law in its entirety. It raises not lowers costs, it creates massive reporting and record keeping administration for business with new costs, it puts more strain on the health care system, it raises taxes, BUT there are enough goodies for everyone, women, poor, unhealthy, young adults, etc to keep the majority of Americans happy and getting more accustomed to the new benefits. Business as a whole has never been in a position to significantly influence this type of legislation.
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