Politics

McConnell: Odds Are Against Repealing Obamacare

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (AP) — It’s on his to-do list, but U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says the odds are against repealing the health care law championed by President Barack Obama.

The Kentucky Republican said Monday it’s hard to unravel something of the magnitude of the 2,700-page health care law, WHAS-TV reports.

“If you thought it was a good idea for the federal government to go in this direction, I’d say the odds are still on your side,” McConnell said. “Because it’s a lot harder to undo something than it is to stop it in the first place.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Says Health Care Repeal Unlikely, But Hell Try

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell

McConnell discussed the law in comments to about 50 people at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Elizabethtown. The state‘s senior senator was making stops at Kentucky hospitals discussing what’s next since last week’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court’s that the law was constitutional.

The court upheld the law’s crucial mandate that individuals buy health insurance or face a penalty.

Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative, provided the pivotal vote in that decision by ruling that the penalty was legal under the government’s taxing authority. While technically handing a political victory to Obama, Roberts’ ruling invigorated Republicans eager to cast the law as a new tax.

McConnell still says he’ll do whatever he can to repeal the law.

If given control of the Senate next year, McConnell said he would support using budget reconciliation rules to repeal it. Doing so would prohibit Senate filibusters and require only 51 votes to succeed. In 2010, Republicans lambasted Democrats for relying on these rules to pass the health care bill, calling their tactics unusual and hyperpartisan.

“I‘m confident they’re going to give us the votes to repeal it,” he said of the American public.

Comments (190)

  • TelepromoterNChief
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:47pm

    Snorin Hatch made a campaign promise THIS year that he will fight to repeal it.

    Is his word any good?

    Report Post »  
    • Duchylivin
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:51pm

      The 37th year is when most Senators REALLY get going!

      Report Post »  
    • TRILO
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:56pm

      No.

      Report Post » TRILO  
    • black9897
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:13pm

      Well, when your government is as messed up as ours is, then yeah..it’s hard to do the right thing.

      Report Post » black9897  
    • mwhaley
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:14pm

      Forget about the Obama Tax being repealed. Any politician that is preaching repeal is just lying. Our tax system now was just to be a temporary fix. Look at what it has become. We can only dream of what use to be.

      Report Post »  
    • ScarletRose
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 3:12am

      Black – no, it isn’t hard to do the right thing. No it is not. If someone is having a hard time doing right – they are the wrong person, and need to get lost pronto.

      Hard is meeting George Washington and Nathan Hale and Todd Beemer when you simply REFUSED to do the right thing – in the afterlife, when you know they are all in Heaven, and you won’t be going there..

      Report Post » ScarletRose  
    • ScarletRose
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 3:36am

      Mwhaley – just go straight on over to the Dim side and lay down in the dirt on your face wearing a T-Shirt with Red Carpet written on the back of it. You aren’t needed on this side of the fence.

      Get lost. There is no place for you, here.

      Report Post » ScarletRose  
    • Thatsitivehadenough
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:14am

      Stock up on guns, ammo, food, generators, etc. The **** is going to hit the fan.

      Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
    • TAXEVERYONE
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:41am

      This RINO must go !!!

      Report Post » TAXEVERYONE  
    • poorrichard09
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:48am

      McConell has got to go as senate leader-what a gutless pos.

      Report Post »  
    • Banter
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:02am

      Do your job McConnell ! Quit whining and repeal the d@mn thing.

      Report Post » Banter  
    • fedup ohio
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 10:03am

      @scarletrose

      What’s wrong, does the truth hurt. Look at what has happened in the last 4 or 5 yrs. Bush appointed a liberal judge, spent money like it was water, the best we could do last Prez election was McCain, this time Romney, The American people elected a man with the name Barack Hussein Obama, who had little to NO experience in politics. Arizona is being attacked by our own Federal government. WE ARE NOT PROTECTING OUR BORDERS. We have more handouts in government assistance programs than ever. A lot of my republican friends have given up on fighting back, and I see it at a national level. Folks, the #1 thing nobody is talking about is, we are letting in at least 1.3 mil. people into this country every year. I’m talking about LEGAL immigrants. We are not creating enough GOOD jobs to counter these people. WHEN WILL WE WAKE UP. We need a change, a big change, but I see NO help in sight. Republicans are cowards.

      Report Post »  
    • midwesthippie
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 10:44am

      …ask yourselves this republican bootlickers: what is the difference between Obama’s first two years in office and his second? did ANYTHING get better when the so-called conservatives took the house and senate? has the FEDGOVE written and passed a budget under republican leadership? have you noticed any change in the FEDGOV as of 2010? keep voting that straight (R) ticket folks…instead of working toward a true third party…

      Report Post » midwesthippie  
    • altops
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 11:58am

      It only takes 51 votes to repeal obamacare

      Report Post » altops  
    • teaisstronger
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 3:51pm

      He should resign. This RINO must go. He is responsible for Democrat victories. Back Stabber.

      Report Post »  
    • Patrick Henry II
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:15pm

      THese RINO’s have to go. He probably does not want it repealed or does nbot have the fire in the belly. Pass the torch to your junior senator. He’ll get rid of it.

      Report Post » Patrick Henry II  
    • Dejavu
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:15pm

      @Midwesthippie. You are woefully mistaken. The Dimmocrats have control of the Senate. That’s why no budget has been produced since Obummer has been in office. Be that as it may, Conservatives, not Establisment Republicans, have to get control of the Senate, keep control of the House, and boot out Boehner and McConnell. Note to yourself: you would make better points if you didn’t feel the need to denigrate the people on this blog. Thanks for shopping, you may move along now.

      Report Post » Dejavu  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on July 4, 2012 at 1:41pm

      Boy, Mitch is a really inspiring leader. Christ!

      Report Post » dmerwin  
    • black9897
      Posted on July 4, 2012 at 7:24pm

      That’s the point, everyone is the wrong person. Corruption runs deep. The system was built broken. Works ok when you have good people, but let’s face it, how many people today in government are actually good? We are forced to pay for services, so I don’t ask why government is corrupt, I ask why not?

      Report Post » black9897  
  • Maxim Crux
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:46pm

    He is just trying to tell everyone right now that they should go out and buy up as much NATO ammo and food as you can. Read between the lines. It is a warning. Be prepared!

    Report Post »  
    • Texas Chris
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:43am

      When the time comes there will be NATO ammo and weapons laying around. Especially in Texas. It’ll be open season.

      Report Post »  
  • NancyBee
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:44pm

    McConnell is so wishy washy……..It’s time for him to go!

    Report Post » NancyBee  
    • henryKnox
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:29pm

      Agreed. It is not anymore difficult to repeal the bill than it was to pass it in the first place. All they have to do is repeal the law and let those that are implementing it worry about the details of how to back it out. It doesn’t matter how much they have already invested in obamacaretax stopping the bleeding is less expensive than letting it continue.

      Report Post » henryKnox  
    • DSTSS2010
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:32pm

      Him and many of the old time politicians, like him, are part of the problem. We need new people, with new solutions. Lifetime politicians need to become a thing of the past, like rolodexes. telexes and mimeograph machines.

      Report Post » DSTSS2010  
    • lukerw
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 12:15am

      Why do people elect Wimpy Representatives? Are the people… Wimpy & Weak?

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Al J Zira
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 1:04am

      @lukerw: I said the same thing about Shiala Jackson Lee, Maxine Waters, Nancy Pelosi……….. It’s a long list.

      Report Post » Al J Zira  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 4:49am

      And Boehner.
      All talk and no action. Where are the jobs jobs jobs?

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
    • Texas Chris
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:44am

      If not for the 17th Amendment, his state legislature could recall him and replace him. But no, he’s “duely elected” by the people…

      Just another erosion of our constitution, and state authority.

      Report Post »  
  • soybomb315
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:37pm

    Romney says “repeal and REPLACE”. HELL NO. No replacement necessary.

    Follow directions. Just repeal the damn thing.

    Report Post » soybomb315  
    • CatB
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 2:19am

      Agree .. I am so p8ssed off at these WIMPS!

      Report Post »  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 2:30am

      Exactly. We already had too much government interference in health care before Obamacare was passed.

      Report Post »  
    • ScarletRose
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 3:09am

      That is for sure. NO REPLACEMENTS – just NULLIFY! And worry about working to rebuild Trust, while you have “daylight” to do so! Amen! I so agree with you. Amen!

      Report Post » ScarletRose  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 4:51am

      Replace with what? McConnell keeps ducking that question.

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • blueman
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:36pm

    Yes, I’m MAD!

    Report Post »  
    • rawmilker
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:43pm

      Your vote counts big time in 2012, make sure you and all your friends and family know about this!

      HOME SALES TAX

      I thought you might find this interesting, obama is f u c * ing us again…..

      The National Association of Realtors is all over this and working to get it repealed, — before it takes effect. But, I am very pleased we aren’t the only ones who know about this ploy to steal billions from unsuspecting homeowners. How many realtors do you think will vote Democratic in 2012?

      Did you know that if you sell your house after 2012 you will pay a 3.8% sales tax on it? That’s $3,800 on a $100,000 home, etc. When did this happen? It’s in the health care bill, — and it goes into effect in 2013. Why 2013? Could it be so that it doesn’t come to light until after the 2012 elections? So, this is ‘change you can believe in’?

      Under the new health care bill all real estate transactions will be subject to a 3.8% sales tax.

      If you sell a $400,000 home, there will be a $15,200 tax. This bill is set to screw the retiring generation, — who often downsize their homes. Does this make your November, 2012 vote more important?

      Oh, you weren’t aware that this was in the ObamaCare bill? Guess what; you aren’t alone! There are more than a few members of Congress that weren’t aware of it either.

      You can check this out for yourself at:

      http://www.gop.gov/blog/10/04/08/obamacare-flatlines-obamacare-taxes-home

      VOTERS NEED TO KNOW

      Report Post » rawmilker  
    • just happy
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 12:54am

      actually this is to RAWMILKER: I got this by searching the web for verification of your 3.8%tax claim.What the Realtors Say

      Like some earlier versions, this one version leads with a claim that the National Association of Realtors is “working to get it [the nonexistent 3.8 percent 'sales tax'] repealed, before it takes effect.” That’s not true. In fact, the Realtors have been trying very hard to knock down this rumor.

      In 2010, the association posted a video of its director of tax policy, Linda Goold, saying the “biggest misconception” about the tax is that it is a sales or “transfer” tax falling on every dollar of the selling price. She also noted that it will never affect anyone with less than $200,000 of income ($250,000 for a couple).

      The association also published (and posted online) an 11-page brochure giving examples of how the tax will actually operate in various situations. For example, a high-income couple that makes a profit of $525,000 selling their primary residence would owe $950 — 3.8 percent of the amount of profit over $500,000.

      This year, the Realtors group updated an informative Q&A on its website giving additional examples. And on Feb. 21 this year, Realtors president Moe Veissi posted a video podcast.

      Report Post »  
    • Al J Zira
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 1:09am

      @just happy : Thanks for clearing that up, I feel so much better. Real estate tranfer fees in the health care bill. Now there’s a novel idea.

      Report Post » Al J Zira  
    • Texas Chris
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:49am

      When the Income Tax was implementsed it was only going to affect a handful of people. It was never going to be levied agains the common man.

      Now what do we have?

      So don’t give me this “only the rich” bullcrap. This is a massive NEW tax program, or there wouldn’t be 16,000 new IRS agents authorized in its 2700 pages.

      Report Post »  
  • GoodStuff
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:34pm

    Both McConnell and ***** are pansies!

    Report Post »  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:13pm

      Are we sure the republican party is ready for the big stage? Not with idiots like McConnell/Boehner

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 4:54am

      Your 2nd name got scrubbed can you spell it backwards?

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • horsehockey
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:34pm

    If you get control of the Senate, Mitch, deem it repealed just like it was deemed passed, otherwise, resign and let Rand Paul take over.

    Report Post »  
  • TJexcite
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:34pm

    Little spin there.

    Health care unlikely to be repeal before the election, But He’ll try to bring it up for a vote and fail. After the election and 113th congress is in, it will be gone before the end of February.

    Report Post » TJexcite  
  • soybomb315
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:32pm

    I couldnt even read the whole article without throwing up in my mouth

    Is this what you guys freaking want!?!?!?!?!!? Weak-kneed non-constitutional COWARDS. This guy is complete horsesh!t

    DEMAND the republicans remove Boehner, McConnell, and Romney and replace them with people who will fight using the Constitution as their weapon. This is only July, we still have time. Withdraw your support and make hay. Do what Sarah Palin said and ‘RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE’. If you dont, the republicans will never change and we will all go down the crapper just the same

    Report Post » soybomb315  
    • TRILO
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:55pm

      Good luck, to rally against them. The sheeple are content to just hear the rhetoric. There are very few real conservatives in government anymore and most people scoff and disregard them as being crazy and/or unrealistic.

      Just as always, the republicans fold before the fight has even begun. Does anyone every ask why? I am starting to believe that this is what they really wanted. They got it but can blame the other side and give the sheeple the illusion that they tried.

      The republican party is absolutely useless! They will never get another vote from me until they grow a spine and start standing up for freedom and liberty. With an attitude like this why should anyone make an effort to give them the majority.

      While the democrats are wrong on just about 99% of what they stand for, they at least have the b@lls to admit they are progressive and want a socialist/fascist country. On the other hand the republicans hide behind the cloak of freedom and liberty all the while supporting the same issues and causes of the progressives.

      The republican party can go to hell as far as I am concerned. This country deserves what we get because the sheeple keep believing the lies that spew from their mouths. We keep putting people like McConnell, McCain, Bush, Boehner, Hatch, etc back into office and it gets us to the same destination as where the democrats are taking us; and the sheeple wonder why.

      By the way, Sarah Palin is now part of the same machine she professes to be

      Report Post » TRILO  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:06pm

      “The republican party is absolutely useless! They will never get another vote from me until they grow a spine and start standing up for freedom and liberty.”

      I agree. I too have drawn the line and refuse to vote for more progressives. I am not looking forward to voting for Gary Johnson and I am praying there is a revolution within the republican party….That is the only way i can vote for them and it is the only way things can get better in this country

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • ScarletRose
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 3:14am

      You tell ‘um, Girl! You preach it! Girl! Yeeee-Hawwwwwww! Dig them spurs in!

      Report Post » ScarletRose  
  • Magyar
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:30pm

    Geez, Mitch, are you telling us that you’ve already taken a vote among conservative republicans and RINOs?

    Are letting us know that we shouldn’t HOPE or EXPECT Rupublican support to repeal OWEbama Care?

    Are you suggesting that Rupublicans are complicit in the betrayal of WE THE PEOPLE and the Consitution?

    If so, please pass on a message to the traitors that we’ll do everything possible to unseat them–just like Dickie Lugar–So tell them to hold on to their hats!

    Thanks Mitch….

    Report Post »  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 4:59am

      Maybe it’s just time to work on the economy, the crumbling infrastructure and the unemployment problem. We have turned into a one issue at a time governing body and Romney wants a war with Iran.
      Republicans jest luvs being war presidents to suck up to their campaign donors like Haliburton.

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • blueman
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:30pm

    Let’s show this pinhead! He and his infidels(Democrats) is not going to bully the red blooded Americans.

    Report Post »  
  • Salamander
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:28pm

    Spoken by a man who is, clearly, NOT worried about his job!

    Report Post »  
  • Salamander
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:27pm

    It’s real easy–just strike it from the books! A little courage is all it takes!

    Report Post »  
    • Texas Chris
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:55am

      It‘s easier for them to do what we want if there’s an angry mob outside the capitol, torches and pitchforks in hand, tar and feathers ready.

      Report Post »  
  • Brother Winston Smith
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:27pm

    Hmmmm… another crusty mummy LEFTIST republican attempting to COERCE the sheep into a COMFORT with the inevitability of UNCONSTITUTIONAL Centrally-Planned healthcare?

    Here’s a link for you, McConnell (you’re NOT going to like it):
    STATE NULLIFICATION!!!!!!!!!!
    http://tenthamendmentcenter.com/2012/06/28/what-next-nullify/

    Report Post » Brother Winston Smith  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:34pm

      These assclowns are not even waiting till after november to play their hand. they must think people in the republican party are stupid. we will find out in the next couple months whether they are correct

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • mattmo79
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:36pm

      We need to kick out all the RINO SOB’s like McConnell!! Simple repeal the law and move on
      !!

      Report Post » mattmo79  
  • wianno94
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:26pm

    EDDIE333 says: “McConnell…You had better work like effing hell come January to get Obamacare repealed.”

    Eddie, then you(and everybody else) better work like effiing hell come November to get every representative who voted for this bill out of the House. And the 22 senators up for re-election who voted for it, out of the Senate

    Report Post »  
  • WatchingAmericaDie
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:25pm

    Republicans are *******. For decades the Dems have forced disastrous laws down our throats, but when the Republicans take over they don’t clean up the mess. We need representatives with guts.

    Report Post »  
    • ScarletRose
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 3:31am

      Exactly! Precisely! The Nail! They are the Enablers. They need to be more afraid of us than they are of anything on this green earth. Everywhere they go. They need to quit being able to find any friendly faces in their usual communities. On any levels whatsoever. Neighbors, grocery stores, restaurants, club meetings, speakers engagements, parade marshals, as they travel, we don’t have to be nasty – just firm. No preferred seating, no special acknowledgements, no salutations or awards, or honors, or things named after, no deference. And a few doors slammed in their faces won’t hurt, either.

      Report Post » ScarletRose  
    • bigdaddyt46
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:01am

      Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has already indicated he will refuse to impliment it. this is a clear example of why i voted for him. he has a HUGE set of stones on him. go Walker go!!!!

      Report Post » bigdaddyt46  
    • Texas Chris
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:57am

      It’s worse than that, WAD. When our GOP was in the majority we did things liek pass Medicare Part D… And RomneyCare…

      We haven’t exactly been model conservatives.

      But hey! No time like the present, right?

      Report Post »  
  • Stopit
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:25pm

    Yes I agree…as long as McConnell is anywhere near Senate leadership.
    Thanks to this compromising a$$ we‘ve got 5 trillion more in national debt handed right over to the Devilcrats because he’s a wimp or part of the elitist globalist RINO cabal.

    Report Post »  
  • sailsalot
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:23pm

    McConnell is milk toast. We need a strong leader in the senate.

    Report Post »  
    • Square Dancer
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:44am

      We need strong conservative leaders EVERYWHERE…not just the Senate. Most of the Repubs we have in DC are there for the money. They are spaghetti-spined weenies who are a part of the “all-for-me” crowd. They go up there as idealists who really “want to help”. Then they get a taste of lobbyist money and change. They cave…McConnell, Boehner, all of them…because they don’t want to look bad. Roberts caved on the ACA because he didn’t want to look bad.

      No, not just in the Senate, EVERYWHERE. This is the last free election our once-great country will ever see if things don’t change…and I do not mean Obama’s “change”.

      Report Post »  
  • 1TrueOne55
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:22pm

    Yeah but will the Progressives it the Senate allow their members (D) change their votes from yea to nay on the ACA?

    Report Post » 1TrueOne55  
  • blueman
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:21pm

    Let’s repeal it anyway! Do not back down.

    Report Post »  
  • MODEL82A1
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:20pm

    Obamacare was here to stay since it was rammed down our throats and signed into law. Sad but true.

    Report Post » MODEL82A1  
  • sailsalot
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:16pm

    McConnell is milktoast. We need a much stronger leader in the senate.

    Report Post »  
  • zoro51
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:16pm

    odds are against it ******** OLD FART.. it will be repealed n throwd out YOU dont get it america IS not a marxist soicialist nation that the MULSUM born non american president desires.. they cry will be deffining.. do the WILL of the people or risk being VOTED OUT…

    Report Post » zoro51  
  • Dejavu
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:15pm

    But, what do you think the odds are of repealing the living skeleton known as Mitch McConnell?

    Report Post » Dejavu  
  • eddie333
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:14pm

    McConnell, it’s time for you to earn that taxpayer-paid paycheck. You have personally benefitted greatly from being a US Senator, it’s time to give something back. You had better work like effing hell come January to get Obamacare repealed.

    Report Post » eddie333  
    • psadie
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:27pm

      OMG, these comments are just too funny.

      Report Post »  
    • raspberrytea
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:31pm

      Hear! Hear! Couldn’t of said it better. If he doesn‘t work like he’s never worked before……then he’s just as guilty. They all
      better get on the ball and give it all they’ve got!! Everyday
      getting the ACA repealed needs to first and foremost.

      Report Post »  

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