Mitch McConnell's Repeal-Only Gambit Quickly Blows Up In His Face

By Dustin Rowles | Politics | July 18, 2017 |

By Dustin Rowles | Politics | July 18, 2017 |

After the repeal and replace bill, the AHCA, crashed and burned twice, Mitch McConnell (with the encouragement of both Trump and Pence) decided to push for a repeal-only option, an evil plan that would have taken healthcare away from 32 million people, increased premiums astronomically, and sent the insurance industry into a tailspin.

McConnell put that idea on the table last night, and within half a day, that plan was dead, too, acquiring the 3 GOP Senators needed to kill it:

Maine Senator Susan Collins is a no:

Capito is a "no" on repeal vote. With Portman talking it down, Collins unlikely to support, McCain still out, this should about do it pic.twitter.com/GzMr6yd87g

— Benjy Sarlin (@BenjySarlin) July 18, 2017

West Virginia Senator Caputo is a no:

Collins to reporters outside her office: "I'm going to oppose the motion to proceed. I voted against this approach in 2015" pic.twitter.com/yjcDs9k3N2

— Alan He (@alanhe) July 18, 2017

Alaska Senator Murkowski is a no:

Murkowski just told MSNBC's @GarrettHaake she is a NO on repeal motion to proceed.

— Katy Tur (@KatyTurNBC) July 18, 2017

That’s the ballgame, even with only a 50 vote threshold (asshole):

The Senate must go to a 51 vote majority instead of current 60 votes. Even parts of full Repeal need 60. 8 Dems control Senate. Crazy!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 18, 2017

keep in mind: overwhelming feeling among House Republicans was that they would not vote to repeal Obamacare without a replacement.

— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) July 18, 2017

Both Dem and Republican governors quickly came out against it, too.

Proud of the 11 Republican and Democrat governors who have pulled together to share an important message on health care reform. pic.twitter.com/IcmUyM4m4g

— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) July 18, 2017

Trump is left with only two options: Make Obamacare work, or “let it fail,” i.e., purposely tank it and the American healthcare system, which would benefit only Democrats running for office in 2018:

As I have always said, let ObamaCare fail and then come together and do a great healthcare plan. Stay tuned!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 18, 2017

Dick.