While former senator and perennial presidential candidate Rick Santorum, along with a cadre of extremist groups, continues to agitate for another go at Obamacare repeal, leadership is more cautious. They should be, because it would be political disaster. Yet another poll, this one from NBC and the Wall Street Journal shows how critical the issue is going to be for the 2018 midterms.
Asked about their top issues for November, 22 percent of voters said health care was their first choice—followed by the economy and jobs at 19 percent, guns at 13 percent, taxes and spending at 11 percent and immigration at 10 percent.
The top responses among Democrats were health care (32 percent) and guns (17 percent), while the top answers among Republicans were the economy and jobs (26 percent) and taxes/spending (15 percent).
Republicans are unlikely to be so foolish again, but as one top Democratic aide says, "I can't believe they would be so stupid. That said, they often surprise me with how stupid they are." Just wait 'til they go for Social Security and Medicare.
The thing is, though, Republicans don't really have to go after repeal again for Democrats to capitalize on this preoccupation of voters, or for voters to reject Republicans. Because it's clear that Republicans aren't going to let go of the issue—it might not be what they run on in 2018, but destroying the gains made under Obamacare will remain a priority if they keep their majorities. Trump certainly isn't going to let go of it forever. The damage Republicans have already done will certainly remain salient through November.