Two Democratic senators up for reelection this year are trying to distance themselves from Obamacare following yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling. Senator Claire McCaskill (D., Mo.), who is trailing in the polls, has not released a single statement mentioning the Supreme Court’s ruling, in direct contrast to the majority of her Democratic colleagues who are celebrating the decision. Senator Joe Manchin (D., W.V.), meanwhile, posted this statement on the “Affordable Care Act”:
We should all recognize that the health care challenges that many West Virginians and Americans face are not going to go away unless Congress takes additional action to repair this bill. Now that the Court has ruled, we can move forward with fixing what is wrong with this bill and saving what is right. I have always been determined to reduce the burden on states from the Medicaid expansion, and this ruling affirms my position – and makes clear that states must have the flexibility to live within their means by determining Medicaid eligibility as each state sees fit. I have always said one size doesn’t fit all.
In addition, I believe there are several parts of this bill that are good for West Virginians: especially ending discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions, improving access to preventive care and eliminating the prescription drug donut hole for seniors. Looking ahead, we must work to find common ground on the individual mandate, which doesn’t make sense to West Virginians. I am determined to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move forward with a solution.
These endangered Democrats are now fleeing from their previous support for Obamacare. Too bad they didn’t realize their mistake before they voted for it.