By Aaron Miller-
The internal dispute among the Republicans over the Affordable Care Act is reaching boiling point.
The debates in the House of the contentious policy plan is threatening division more than anything else at such an early stage in Donald Trump’s presidency. Political groups backed by affluent forces are working proactively against the bill in a manner causing lots of tension. Hard core activists have swamped Capitol Hill to demand a harder line from Congress to completely repeal the Act- a repeal that would inevitably undermine one of Trump’s signature policies.
The internal dispute is growing potentially dangerous for the solidarity of the party, almost splitting them into groups of rivals and supporters,.
TOUGH
One highly placed official described the meeting as ”tough”, leaving matters of an amicable resolution from certain. Up until now, it was believed that the Republican party had defied all odds and established more unity internally, but the manner of high feelings and disagreement over the Affordable Care Act is a surprising development in the Republican party.
Some commentators have expressed shock at the tense disputes in the party over an issue not central to Trump’s election of leadership, especially with huge financial backers being angry and vocal about their strong objections to the policy plans. President Trump listened intently to the divided views passionately expressed by all sides, but he can’t please both sides equally. The inner split on exactly how the Affordable Act Care would or should unravel, if at all, has somewhat split Republicans and their backers into two groups of rivals and supporters.
DIVIDING
The Affordable Care Act was always going to be a dividing issue among the Republicans, but expectations of a unified approach to a healthy solution are quickly fading away. A party like the Republicans, which has defied all odds to get this far should be evolving into a formidable party behind their president in formulating an effective delivery of his election manifesto, instead they appear to be cracking up over an issue that doesn’t rank too highly among the potential issues that Americans care about most. A t least, they should be able to present their objections or support in a structured manner that enables the party move forward with one voice.
President Trump’s administration has faced enough criticism from the American and world press, many of which have been valid in essence, and some of which have been based on personal ideologies on various issues. However, a dispute on the Affordable Act Care is one that should be thought out and reasoned by sharp minds. The core issues in dispute should be carefully evaluated and the party should be able to see clearly the issues raised, and conclude on a positive way forward in which all issues of objection are clear to see, with intelligent modifications or total eradication if necessary, swiftly applied.