Repeal At Your Own Risk

The talk on this is dominating the corners of the internet today. But before Republicans bet the metaphorical farm on this, they might want reconsider their options.

First, and foremost, in order to do something of this magnitude successfully, they would need a 2/3 majority in the Senate. Hate to break it to them, but that's not mathematically possible right now.

Secondly, and this really should be part of the initial thoughts of Republicans, is that they need a plan to put in action should they pull off the near impossible task of repealing this. What are the voting populous going to think when all these improvements that have already started get pulled away? Are they going to have legislation equal to or superior to replace it with? My guess is not at all. Honestly, I wouldn't call that a guess, I would say it's an iron-clad guarantee.

Third, there are already Republicans saying it's over already for the GOP.



Frum, actually sounding like a voice of reason within the party, makes the very valid point that Republicans - ever eager to find someone to blame - are going to start looking at who within their party caused this to happen. The Tea Baggers are going to go after the more moderate voices within the GOP while it could turn out the the Tea Baggers could no longer find themselves in the good graces they once enjoyed. Considering the current socio-political climate though, I'm going to say the later is a bit of a long shot. But this doesn't remove the fact that Republicans do tend to get caught up in finger-pointing and completely miss the plot.

Will Republicans get so mired in their desire to place blame that the repeal process gets pushed aside? My guess is they will try to do both and the healthcare reform bill will still be law come 2012. The GOP has proven to the American people that they can't take on two tasks at once. How are they going to repeal, campaign, come up with their own healthcare plan, AND find a scapegoat within the party all at once?

I say let the games begin.