SCOTTSDALE — Now, see, that's how we should be able to talk politics.
Today's headline keynote debate at the Benefits Selling Expo featured a pair of Beltway insiders trading barbs over political parties, electoral history and, of course, Obamacare. But while Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson clearly disagree on a lot of things, they also managed to share a lot of common ground.
Like a couple of good salespeople, the two pundits, and good friends, used the common ground to launch into a discussion — and subsequent dissection — of PPACA.
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"First impressions really matter. And if you can't get the computer to work for a computer-based program, that matters," Begala declared. "It was really embarrassing."
"Part of my frustration with Obamacare is the way it was sold and oversold," Carlson said. "It was based on deceit."
Sure, Begala ultimately still supports the president, as well as PPACA, but even he recognizes its many flaws.
Just as Carlson, on the other side, realizes that despite the problems that continue to plague the law, it's not going anywhere. PPACA, he suggested, is here to stay.
The devil, as always, is still mired in the details. And both speakers worried about how little both parties were prepared for either the Burwell ruling or a Republican president next year.
Where does such an inactive Congress even begin to fine tune this beast, aside from suggesting (once more) that we simply repeal it? Sure, as both speakers alluded to, Republicans have no motive to do anything with the law until the next election. And they can still point their collective fingers at the president. But the clock is running on that excuse.
It was a great conversation. Probably because it felt like that. Two friends having a drink, talking through the country's problems. No shouting, name-calling or attendees rushing the stage. It was enough to make you think that maybe we haven't lost our way after all.
Speaking of which, I want to personally thank each attendee, exhibitor and sponsor for joining us this year at our 11th annual Benefits Selling Expo. I also want to thank all my fellow staffers for all the blood, sweat and tears you put into this event; it shows.
Thanks again, and we'll see you next year as we return to the state where it all started: Florida. Be well.
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