Reading through these posts (and some on other threads) makes it very clear how little loyalty Trump can expect from many of his “ardent supporters.” Many all-or-nothing, never-compromise, doctrinaire types will turn on him if he doesn’t do exactly what they demand 100% of the time, no matter how much he has done for them or how much better he was than the alternative—and then they will pat themselves on the back for their integrity if they help cause Trump’s defeat and get a radical leftist in power instead.
Trump is a pragmatist who actually wants to get things passed and enacted, rather than putting on shows of purity that have no chance of going anywhere, and that alone—his unwillingness to play worthless political games that everyone expects to see—has already caused people to turn from him and his agenda for the country. This will only mean retaining more of the Obama agenda instead.
The only thing we could reasonably expect from Trump is a strong commitment to MAGA. The (non)repeal of Obamacare would have helped in that regard and I initially supported that strategy. After listening to the “purist” arguments, I believe that they are correct. I don’t think Trump can MAGA and also be the savior of health care. The simple fact is that health care is a drain, can’t be exported, won’t MAGA. Ryan’s strategy to water down Obamacare is fine for the short run but would be a long term drain. Full repeal will eliminate the drain and allow alternatives to flourish. The press will complain about the indignity of charity health care but they are going to bash us anyway. MAGA will create prosperity so that free care will be very good if not great.