As I write this, President Trump stands in the Rose Garden at the White House, celebrating the passage of an Obamacare replacement bill in the House, a bill he says will bring down both premiums and deductibles. “It’s going to be unbelievable,” he says, flanked by dozens of beaming House Republicans. “[Obamacare] is obviously dead. Dead!”

The sense of relief and euphoria emanating from the GOP is palpable, even from thousands of miles away—and no wonder. The vote is being called an “achievement” and a “major victory” for Trump after early struggles in his presidency to follow through on campaign promises.

But is the GOP’s giddiness premature? And just as importantly, could it be sending the wrong message?

In the hours leading up to the vote, Republicans held a “pep rally,” and were greeted by the “Rocky” theme song and “Taking Care of Business” as they arrived. Reports emerged of numerous cases of beer hidden under sheets being delivered to the Capitol prior to the vote, which some speculated were destined for a celebratory party (although they were told it was headed elsewhere.)

Either way, we all understand how heavily politics relies on PR and optics. So, is unbridled euphoria really the best note to strike after the first step for a bill that barely squeezed through and still faces an extremely murky future in the Senate and beyond? A bill that has produced high levels of concern and criticism from those both inside and outside of the GOP, and could remove health care coverage for millions along with several popular essential health benefits.

Or, as Republican strategist Ana Navarro tweeted, “Dear GOP brethren, passing Trumpcare's a win for Ryan & Trump. But understand, many are scared of what it means. Don't spike the football.”

And it’s hard to ignore the irony of statements made by key GOP members a few years back about the passage of the Affordable Care Act. For example:

"Will Speaker Pelosi Wait for the 'Final Number' from the CBO?" House GOP Twitter handle, March 18, 2010
"I don't think we should pass bills that we haven't read that we don't know what they cost." Paul Ryan, July 2009
"Congress and the White House have focused their public efforts on platitudes and press conferences, while the substance and the details have remained behind closed doors."Paul Ryan, July 2009

Doesn’t exactly renew your faith in political ideals, does it? And to be sure, less-than-flattering reactions crossed the aisle, with House Dems singing "nah nah nah, hey hey hey, goodbye" as the vote was gaveled, implying that fallout from the vote could change the House majority following the 2018 midterm elections. Meanwhie, as members of Congress tally their victory or chide their opponents, millions of Americans are left wondering about the health of themselves and their families.

Only time will tell what the end results of all this will be. Shortly after the votes were tallied, long-time journalist and former news anchor Dan Rather wrote, “There will be no end to the speculation of how this will affect the political fortunes of the two major parties. And on that front, frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn. I worry for my fellow citizens for whom the burden of health will now be compounded by the burden of injustice.”

I think this sentiment echoes the concerns of many. Amidst the numerous optical illusions, it’s important to stay focused on what really matters.

Instant Insights /

GOP health care House bill: major victory or optical illusion?

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