Romney v. RomneyObamaCare

[calicoug]

I keep seeing Romney argue (including again today) that one of the very first things he will do as president is overturn the Affordable Care Act. Question: Does he actually believe he has the ability to do that? If yes, that's concerning. If no, why is he so clearly lying?

[byu71]

Maybe Romney noticed how successful Pres. Obama has been at making promises as a candidate he didn't intend to keep. Heck, he has even kept doing it as President.

[Moliere]

I think it's smart for a political to express his intentions, whether or not he can achieve them. The voters can decide the absurdity of the promise.

[calicoug]

Maybe Romney noticed how successful Pres. Obama has been at making promises as a candidate he didn't intend to keep. Heck, he has even kept doing it as President.

I'll grant you that Obama (and every candidate for office) makes promises they ultimately don't fulfill, but rarely do they make such a big promise that not only won't they fulfill but they don't even have the power to do it.

It would be like running for city council on the promise that on day one you will get our troops home. It's just... bizarre. I'm not sure which I find more odd- his continued promise of repeal on "Day 1" or the fact that people seem to believe he will (especially given that his ideas were the impetus for the whole thing in the first place).

Odd on so many levels.

[PaloAltoCougar]

I'll grant you that Obama (and every candidate for office) makes promises they ultimately don't fulfill, but rarely do they make such a big promise that not only won't they fulfill but they don't even have the power to do it.

It would be like running for city council on the promise that on day one you will get our troops home. It's just... bizarre. I'm not sure which I find more odd- his continued promise of repeal on "Day 1" or the fact that people seem to believe he will (especially given that his ideas were the impetus for the whole thing in the first place).

Odd on so many levels.

Romney didn't say he would repeal it, but that he would "act to repeal it." Using your comparison, it would be similar to say "I'll act to bring our troops home", and there's a big difference, as one promises same-day results, the other just promises to begin the process.

Romney went on to note there are things in the ACA that are important to retain, so he's not out to repeal Obamacare in its entirety. On day one, Romney could (who knows if he actually will?) submit a bill that would amend the ACA to retain those elements that he said he likes, revise certain others, and eliminates still others. That would be consistent with his statement today, and could hardly be described as bizarre.

[DrumNFeather]

I think it's smart for a political to express his intentions, whether or not he can achieve them. The voters can decide the absurdity of the promise.

This is like in elementary school or high school when the candidate running for president would promise soda in the water fountains. Sure, we knew he or she couldn't deliver, but man, how nice would that be? They've got my vote!

[calicoug]

Romney didn't say he would repeal it, but that he would "act to repeal it." Using your comparison, it would be similar to say "I'll act to bring our troops home", and there's a big difference, as one promises same-day results, the other just promises to begin the process.

Romney went on to note there are things in the ACA that are important to retain, so he's not out to repeal Obamacare in its entirety. On day one, Romney could (who knows if he actually will?) submit a bill that would amend the ACA to retain those elements that he said he likes, revise certain others, and eliminates still others. That would be consistent with his statement today, and could hardly be described as bizarre.

His full quote:

What the court did not do on its last day in session, I will do on my first day if elected president of the United States. And that is I will act to repeal Obamacare.

I suppose I'd agree with you if not for his first sentence which pretty clearly says that he will actually repeal the law on day 1 (unless you think he meant the Court on its last day was only going to "act" to repeal Obamacare and then get around to actually repealing it sometime in the future). He's said the same thing in the past too.

I just find it bizarre. And I still would find it bizarre for a city councilman to tell me he would "act" to get our troops home. There are things he can do and then... there is everything else.

[calicoug]

This is like in elementary school or high school when the candidate running for president would promise soda in the water fountains. Sure, we knew he or she couldn't deliver, but man, how nice would that be? They've got my vote!

Not gonna lie- I could support that candidate.

[SeattleUte]

Roberts' opinion seems to contain a poison pill. His statement that the Supreme Court isn’t supposed to second guess democratically arrived at laws is Supreme Court 101 (duh). But he gave Romney et al. a great campaign mantra.

Also, calling the mandate a tax. Bad optics for a campaign.

Maybe it's a Pyrric victory for Obama.

[PaloAltoCougar]

His full quote:



I suppose I'd agree with you if not for his first sentence which pretty clearly says that he will actually repeal the law on day 1 (unless you think he meant the Court on its last day was only going to "act" to repeal Obamacare and then get around to actually repealing it sometime in the future). He's said the same thing in the past too.

I just find it bizarre. And I still would find it bizarre for a city councilman to tell me he would "act" to get our troops home. There are things he can do and then... there is everything else.

First, I missed the major point about the city councilman's promise and that's, obviously, that he lacks any power to do it. But since Romney can at least send over legislation, he's a bit more empowered that a city councilman.

As for Romney's entire statement, it's unfortunately consistent with his vexing habit of being just a bit off on his presentation and wordsmithing. He or his speechwriters obviously liked the juxtaposition of comparing the court's last day with his first, but it was a poor one. He should have simply opened with his "I will act to..." I agree with you that the introductory clause was off.

[SCcoug]

His full quote:



I suppose I'd agree with you if not for his first sentence which pretty clearly says that he will actually repeal the law on day 1 (unless you think he meant the Court on its last day was only going to "act" to repeal Obamacare and then get around to actually repealing it sometime in the future). He's said the same thing in the past too.

I just find it bizarre. And I still would find it bizarre for a city councilman to tell me he would "act" to get our troops home. There are things he can do and then... there is everything else.

Why don't you think a president Romney couldn't act to repeal obamacare? This is from his campaign website.

On his first day in office, Mitt Romney will issue an executive order that paves the way for the federal government to issue Obamacare waivers to all fifty states. He will then work with Congress to repeal the full legislation as quickly as possible.

[PaloAltoCougar]

Roberts' opinion seems to contain a poison pill. His statement that the Supreme Court isn’t supposed to second guess democratically arrived at laws is Supreme Court 101 (duh). But he gave Romney et al. a great campaign mantra.

Also, calling the mandate a tax. Bad optics for a campaign.

Maybe it's a Pyrric victory for Obama.

I suspect Roberts wrote that truism for that very purpose (energize the right) and to make the decision a bit more palatable to the critics.

[myboynoah]

Roberts' opinion seems to contain a poison pill. His statement that the Supreme Court isn’t supposed to second guess democratically arrived at laws is Supreme Court 101 (duh). But he gave Romney et al. a great campaign mantra.

Also, calling the mandate a tax. Bad optics for a campaign.

Maybe it's a Pyrric victory for Obama.

I agree. How long before we start seeing the act portrayed as a mutli-gazillion dollar tax increase by Obama and his partners in the house and senate.

[falafel]

I agree. How long before we start seeing the act portrayed as a mutli-gazillion dollar tax increase by Obama and his partners in the house and senate.

Probably tomorrow. That message is already on the facebook page of every right winger.

[myboynoah]

Probably tomorrow. That message is already on the facebook page of every right winger.

Excellent!

Go Mitt!