Act I finales are meant to do one thing, get the audience to come back after intermission. They can involve flying witches (Wicked), crashing chandeliers (The Phantom of the Opera) or even an attempt to roll back time (Steel Pier). The House Republican majority is facing their Act I finale this week, and what are they doing to sway voters? A magic trick that has failed 33 times before – voting to repeal Obamacare.
The US House of Representatives will vote to repeal Obamacare today for the 33rd time. It will probably be the last attention-getting action the House receives before the summer delves in Olympic madness and political convention correctness. Let’s be clear, this vote is an attempt to pander to the far right, triggered after last month’s Supreme Court ruling, and it’s the absolute worst image to leave voters with in an election year.
Part of the Republican Party’s problem is determining what to do after repealing Obamacare. This is an enigma for Republicans, especially considering that Americans tend to favor Democratic over Republican ideas on healthcare. While Americans remain divided on Obamacare, a recent ABC News/Washington Post poll found that President Obama had a 15% lead over Governor Romney when it came to public views on healthcare. Why is this so?
The answer is simple, the Republican message has been repeal and replace. But they haven’t clearly articulated what they would replace Obamacare with. In addition, while Obamacare may be bad public policy; it contains measures that everyone can universally accept. Example: Insurance companies can no longer deny someone with a pre-existing condition. It’s hard to argue in opposition to that regulation, no matter the subsequent financial and logistical challenges.
The musical Steel Pier features a great Act I finale where the main character reverses time to correct a mistake made by the woman he loves. However the catch is that the leading man isn’t necessarily (at the risk of giving away any spoilers) of-this-world, and his actions goes unbeknown to his love interest. Unfortunately for the Republican Party, reversing time is not an option, but their actions this week can be just as daring.
American’s are worried about how Obamacare will affect the quality of healthcare, and potentially increase taxes and the size of the federal government. Republicans, both House and Senate, in conjunction with the Romney campaign, should propose an alternative to Obamacare. Their proposal must include the free market reforms/regulations they would enact to ensure that every American has healthcare.
Be bold, present a solution that aspires to lower costs, be deficit neutral, and retain the positive features of Obamacare. Elections are about choices, so why not give the American people a real choice. Plus with the American public’s uneasiness over Obamacare, this maybe the Republican Party’s only opportunity to make a real difference on the healthcare front.
In a few days the Act I curtain will descend on Congress as they adjourn for their summer recess. All real work will continue, but not until after the election with the lame duck session. The House Republican majority is up for election, and so is the majority in the Senate, not to mention the marquee prize, the presidency. Republicans need to give voters a reason why they should be returned to the majority, and this time in both houses of Congress. However, simply voting to repeal Obamacare for the 33rd time will not entice voters to return for a second act.
Marquee Politics 