With polls showing Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in a dead heat for president, it will be interesting to see how Clinton and her allies frame the election during the Democratic National Convention this week in an attempt to regain her advantage over her unconventional opponent.

Clinton faces a tough choice in her attempts to gain support. Her attempts to convince supporters of Bernie Sanders that she is serious about the progressive policy positions she took during the primary will likely coincide with her attempts to win over independents and Republicans who are disenchanted with Trump.

In particular, how closely will Clinton stick to the promises she made on health care in recent months?

Over the course of the past year, Clinton’s health care agenda has gradually evolved from a vague commitment to expand the Affordable Care Act to an ambitious plan to establish a government-run “public option” insurance program, put a monthly limit on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs and allow those over age 55 to opt into Medicare early.

As was the case with Clinton’s moves to the left on student debt and the minimum wage, Clinton’s evolution on health care was clearly shaped by the competition with Sanders, whose success in a number of primaries caught the former first lady’s campaign off guard.

Whether those same promises will feature prominently in speeches from Clinton and her surrogates, including President Obama and former President Bill Clinton, will be telling.

Clinton's choice for vice presidential running mate, Tim Kaine, who is perceived as a moderate, particularly on economic issues, appears to be a step back towards the middle, including his views on health care issues. Although the senator from Virginia has been an avowed supporter of the ACA, Medicaid, and Medicare, he has expressed an appetite for spending reductions that would likely come at the expense of such programs.

Kaine, a devout Catholic, has said that he is personally opposed to abortion, he has said he respects the legal right to have an abortion and has almost always voted against proposed restrictions.

Indeed, if there is one health policy on which Democrats are increasingly united, it is reproductive rights. You can bet that DNC speakers, including perhaps Clinton herself, will highlight Trump’s endorsement earlier this year of criminal penalties for women who receive abortions.

Instant Insights /

Will Hillary Clinton stick to her health care promises?

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