Seven years later, the ineptitude of Republicans on actual, real healthcare policy is devolving into finger-pointing and acrimony. As it should.
Tempers are flaring at the White House over House Republicans’ failure to repeal Obamacare. But that hasn’t changed the reality on the ground: As Congress skips town for a two-week recess, Speaker Paul Ryan and his team are no closer to approving legislation. […]
Vice President Mike Pence this week floated concessions designed to assuage conservatives, raising expectations among far-right lawmakers that the changes would be adopted. But senior House Republicans say the suggestions would undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions — and probably cause more moderates to drop off as supporters of the legislation than draw additional conservatives in support.
White House officials are nevertheless bearing down on Ryan to move a bill soon, even suggesting during a Wednesday evening meeting that he keep lawmakers in town until a deal is struck. GOP leaders, however, say the legislation isn’t ready and lawmakers need to cool down before they try again to pass again.
Pence should know better, having served in the House and thereby having a passing knowledge about how shit works. Or, actually, doesn't work when Republicans are in control. But that doesn't make this any less delicious: "Multiple sources told POLITICO that administration aides are under intense pressure to help the House deliver on one of Trump’s top campaign promises—and many are fretting that their jobs will be in jeopardy if it doesn't happen."
That’s why White House officials are taking out their frustration on House leaders, urging them to pass something—anything. They’ve made no secret of their prediction that Republican lawmakers will suffer in the next election if they don't follow through on repealing Obamacare. Even Trump’s chief of staff, Reince Priebus—a longtime Ryan ally who also hails from Wisconsin—suggested Ryan’s speakership could be in jeopardy if Republicans fail to deliver on repealing and replacing Obamacare.
Couldn't happen to a more deserving guy.