Last night’s debate was interesting. If you’ve ever heard a seasoned (but deceptive) salesman deliver a pitch, you have to be impressed with Romney’s performance. Even President Obama was impressed, maybe stunned, by Romney’s change in positions or outright lies.
But there are problems lurking ahead for Romney.
(Kindly continue below the squiggle)
TAXES: Up until last night, Romney had promised to cut taxes for everyone. He reversed himself and said there would be no reduction in taxes paid, just reduced tax rates with the elimination of deductions and loopholes. How do you know whether you come out ahead? If you itemize deductions and claim tax credits on your return, you will pay more under Romney’s plan. If you file a simple return with no itemized deductions or tax credits, you’ll come out ahead.
MEDICARE: Huge problem for Mitt. No one wants a voucher. They know it won’t cover the cost of private policies. In fact, the government already subsidizes private Medicare policies today- Medicare Advantage. And the Advantage programs in most areas are the worst choice for healthcare for most seniors. So Mitt wants more of that!
MEDICAID: Currently, States receive around 55% - 60% of their Medicaid budget from the federal government. The majority of Medicaid dollars now go to long term care in nursing homes. As the baby boom generation age, these costs will only go up. Romney does nothing to address this looming crisis, other than to tell the States they are on their own. He knows the States won’t be able to handle it.
HEALTH INSURANCE UNDER 65: Health insurance premiums have been rising at double digit rates for years. As Obamacare kicks in, rate increases are starting to come down. The fact that insurance companies must spend at least 80% of premiums collected on medical care is reigning in the excesses of the insurance industry. Pre-existing condition limitations will go away in 2014, as long as Obama is president. Romney has said he will repeal Obamacare, and admitted his plan does not mandate coverage for pre-existing conditions.
So, as the days pass, and the “sugar high” of the winning-on-style-points wear off, Mitt will have to answer to the substance of his remarks. Who knows, maybe the phrase, “Where’s the beef?!” will return! Or maybe a return to the Joe Isuzu character. Either one will be bad news for Romney.