As always, I’ll stick to my strengths. For more passionate ramblings on other topics covered in the debate, follow me on twitter at @aaronecarroll.
- I’ve heard medical malpractice blamed for many things, but Governor Perry found a new one tonight, when he said reforming it would allow small businesses to hire people. Where was the follow-up question to that one?
- I’m sorry, but claiming that the ACA will prevent people from getting preventive care for colon cancer is an outright lie. It’s almost as absurd as people claiming that Stephen Hawking would have been allowed to die under a government health care system. I’m appalled that candidates aren’t challenged on statements like this.
- I bet that Rep. Bachmann is wishing she hadn’t gone out so far on the HPV vaccine now. I also wish that candidates could discuss an opt-out vaccine program correctly. It doesn’t prevent a parent from exercising their rights.
- It was nice to see Chris Wallace accurately represent that Texas has exerted its state-level control to make its Medicaid eligibility standards among the most stringent in the nation, leading to higher levels of uninsurance. Disappointing to see Governor Perry complain that it’s not enough.
- Rep. Bachmann claimed that UBS isn’t hiring because of the ACA? Really? Even though almost all of the law doesn’t go into effect into 2014? You don’t think UBS might be hurting because a “rogue trader” lost them $2 billion?
Overall, I’m finding the questions and debate on health care rather wanting. You may not like the ACA, but at least all of us understand what it’s supposed to do. Remember when it was all about “repeal and replace”? Where’s the “replace”? Why will no one talk about that? The one question posed by a young adult asking if they’d take away his coverage was almost completely dodged. We have record numbers of uninsured, calls to cut Medicaid, and a weakening private insurance market. People with chronic conditions can’t get coverage. Too many can’t afford it even if they can get it. What will the candidates do other than get rid of the current law? How will they answer the fundamental problems of access, cost, and quality?
I’m still waiting to hear.
