1. Every debate the candidates talk about their different healthcare policies, but there's very little focus on the actual GOP attacks we'll face in the general or the path to successful legislation. I worry that many #M4A or nothing voters aren't prepared for what lies ahead.
2. It's important to familiarize yourself with the history of healthcare reform, particularly the legislative process to pass the #ACA - which arguably came through by the skin of it teeth. forbes.com/sites/physicia…
3. We'd absolutely have to have a majority in both chambers to pass M4A, but a presidential candidate running on M4A will lessen the likelihood of winning those needed seats. The GOP will be hitting back hard and it will trickle down-ballot.
4. Yes, they are going to use the "socialism" argument, but they'll also talk about coverage for undocumented immigrants (they've got great footage from the first debate) and the biggest issue of all...abortion. This is an op ed from Scalise and Walden. foxnews.com/opinion/steve-…
5. M4A depends on the repeal of the Hyde Amendment or it can't be used to pay for reproductive health services. Even with a majority, this will be difficult and it's more that likely that provision could end up on the chopping block. What then?
6. Even, if we do manage to get Hyde repealed M4A would actually be controlled through the Executive branch. What happens when a Republican administration is in power? What happens when the lawsuits roll in on religious freedom? What will all those Trump appointees do?
7. Precedent won't be on our side on this. See Harris v. McRae for the decision about states participating in Medicaid and funding for abortion services.
8. If you're seriously wanting to run a candidate on M4A then you need to be prepared for this to be a battle about Reproductive Rights and start discussing how these battle lines will be drawn. Red state candidates are going to be held accountable for the top of the ticket.
