[Alberta's Child]

I'm not a big fan of Ryan, but I would not hold him responsible for this.

The reality here is that the Democrats still hold an effective majority in the House of Representatives. That majority is comprised of actual Democrat Party members, plus Republicans in Democrat or swing districts who have to vote like Democrats on many issues just to keep their jobs. I'd count my own representative in Congress among the latter group.

[semimojo]

The reality here is that the Democrats still hold an effective majority in the House of Representatives.

I don't think it's that simple.

The plain fact is that once the ACA passed and killed medical underwriting the game was pretty much over.

The large majority of Americans, regardless of party, don't want to go back to the days of people being denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

I can't really blame the Republicans for respecting the wishes of their constituants, especially when DJT himself has been so vocal about retaining these protections.

[Political Junkie Too]

So you are suggesting that Democrats-as-Republicans are responsible for Ryan as speaker, effectively making him a stooge? Otherwise, true Republicans might have voted for someone more aligned with the Republican agenda?

That would still be a reason to blame him, even if only for not recognizing being used and stepping aside.

-PJ

[Williams]

Your analysis is of course correct, but other presidents including Reagan and Bush came into office with a mandate and got their programs through Congress. I’m not blaming Trump but I have to say the Republican party is a very stupid party.