POLITICO's Pulse Check

Obamacare is now endangered. But it's not dead yet.

Episode Summary

Donald Trump's historic victory will lead to sweeping changes in America's politics and policy. That may start with health care: Trump has repeatedly pledged to immediately repeal and replace Obamacare. And he's got a GOP-led Congress to help him do it. But two influential figures — on opposite sides of the political spectrum — say the president-elect's rhetoric is about to collide with harsh reality: Rolling back the law isn't going to be easy. First, AEI's James Capretta joined PULSE CHECK (starts at the 1:35 mark) to discuss his reaction to Trump's policy-light campaign and stunning victory, why he's an advocate of Speaker Paul Ryan's repeal-and-replace plan — which is expected to be Trump's blueprint — and why he thinks the Affordable Care Act isn't totally going away. Then, Families USA's Ron Pollack joined PULSE CHECK (starts at the 23:30 mark) to explain why he's declaring "total war" to keep Obamacare alive, why he thinks Gov. Matt Bevin's failure to completely roll back the ACA in Kentucky is a promising sign, and what happens to pro-Obamacare organizations like Enroll America. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app. Have questions, suggestions or feedback — especially given the political changes? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

Episode Notes

Donald Trump's historic victory will lead to sweeping changes in America's politics and policy. That may start with health care: Trump has repeatedly pledged to immediately repeal and replace Obamacare. And he's got a GOP-led Congress to help him do it. But two influential figures — on opposite sides of the political spectrum — say the president-elect's rhetoric is about to collide with harsh reality: Rolling back the law isn't going to be easy. First, AEI's James Capretta joined PULSE CHECK (starts at the 1:35 mark) to discuss his reaction to Trump's policy-light campaign and stunning victory, why he's an advocate of Speaker Paul Ryan's repeal-and-replace plan — which is expected to be Trump's blueprint — and why he thinks the Affordable Care Act isn't totally going away. Then, Families USA's Ron Pollack joined PULSE CHECK (starts at the 23:30 mark) to explain why he's declaring "total war" to keep Obamacare alive, why he thinks Gov. Matt Bevin's failure to completely roll back the ACA in Kentucky is a promising sign, and what happens to pro-Obamacare organizations like Enroll America. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app. Have questions, suggestions or feedback — especially given the political changes? Email ddiamond@politico.com.