Obama Tells Republicans It Doesn’t Matter If You Win The Senate Obamacare Is Here To Stay

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While speaking in Rhode Island today, President Obama made it clear that even if Republicans take control of the Senate, Obamacare is here to stay.

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The president said,

So no matter how many times Republicans threaten to repeal this law, we’re going to keep it in place — because it’s working. (Applause.) Not only is it covering more people, not only is it protecting women and people with preexisting conditions from discrimination, but it’s actually been part of the trend that’s lowering health care inflation. We’re actually saving money because the system is getting smarter and there’s more preventive care instead of emergency care, and we’re changing how health care is delivered. (Applause.) Which is why I’m pretty sure that in 10 years they’re not going to call it Obamacare anymore. (Laughter.) Republicans will be like, oh, I was for that, yes. (Laughter.) That’s how that works.

Republicans blew a gasket earlier this week when Sen. Mitch McConnell admitted on Fox News that Republicans in the Senate aren’t going to try to repeal Obamacare.

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McConnell said, “Well, it’s the top of my list, but remember who’s in the White House for two more years. Obviously, he’s not going to sign a full repeal. It would take 60 votes in the Senate. Nobody thinks we’re going to have 60 Republicans. And it would take a president — presidential signature. No one thinks we’re going to get that.”

If Republicans win the Senate, and that is to be determined, they will likely have a very small majority. Mitch McConnell has always been more focused on carrying out the Koch economic agenda than repealing Obamacare. For the simple reason that he understands that any attempt to repeal the ACA will go nowhere as long as President Obama is in office.

President Obama’s prediction about the ACA still being around in ten years also has a good chance of coming true. If the presidency is followed by a Hillary Clinton two term presidency, the ACA won’t be going anywhere.

The election on Tuesday is vital, but no matter what happens Republicans won’t be able to run wild because Barack Obama is still in the White House.

Democrats have the ultimate firewall at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. If Republicans want to waste what little potential time they may have in the majority refighting the already decided battle over the ACA, President Obama will be happy to oblige.

The president’s message to Republicans was unmistakable. Don’t even bother trying, because Obamacare is here to stay.

Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association