You can say many things about former President Clinton, but saying he is not a team player is not one of them. On Wednesday, he appeared at a rally in Little Rock at the Clinton Presidential Library to deliver his remarks to an audience of about 250 including, Gov. Mike Beebe, a Democrat, and Speaker Davy Carter of the Legislature and Michael Lamoureux, president of the State Senate, both Republicans, about the Affordable Care Act.
Certainly, most people recognize that this is the biggest gun that the White House and President Obama could use to try and explain the administration's position on this unpopular law. Recently, entertainers, sports figures, musicians and others have tried to deliver the President's message, but none carry the clout the former President wields.
Ever the master politician, Mr. Clinton praised Mr. Beebe and the Republican-controlled State Legislature for agreeing on a compromise. Under Arkansas’s so-called “private option,” federal money that was supposed to support an expansion of Medicaid will instead help eligible residents buy private insurance through the state’s exchange.
Savvy political wonks like me realize that he did not do this for any love of President Obama; no, he did this with his eye on the future, to 2016. He is smart to show he is willing to work for members of his party, even as his dislike for them is well-known. Debts will be owed to him and will be called in by him, should Hillary decide (like it's not a forgone conclusion) to run.
Also, by discussing Obamacare now, it will be decided on during the 2014 by the electorate, based on the results of that election, what the makeup of the House and Senate will be. By the time Hillary announces, whether pro or con, Obamacare will be a non-issue.
So, once again, Bill Clinton, ever the master, is showing he can play on the team. But realize that the only team he really is playing for is Team Hillary.
In his mind, is there any other?
No comments:
Post a Comment