Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly isn’t buying national Republicans’ attempts to remain vague on how they will fix the health care system if they take the Senate and White House in November.
On “The O’Reilly Factor” Monday, the top-rated host played a clip of the Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) last Sunday on CBS’ “Face The Nation” dodging questions about how Republicans want to replace President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. Boehner called for a “common sense, step by step approach” and “patient-centered” reforms.
“That’s not going to cut it,” O’Reilly shot back. “It’s far too general.”
“With all due respect to Speaker Boehner, did you see the clip? Did you see the clip?” O’Reilly said, mocking Boehner as though he was choking on his own words. “He can’t do that. He’s got to look into the camera and say this is what we’re going to do, this is why it helps you. He can’t be all ah — eh — ah — ahh.”
Republicans have yet to coalesce behind a replacement plan if they succeed at repealing the Affordable Care Act, which was upheld last Thursday by the Supreme Court.
“No. If the Republicans want to persuade the majority of people, malpractice [reform] isn’t going to do it, and increased insurance competition isn’t going to do it,” O’Reilly said. “They have to look them in the eye and say this is what we’re going to do, and this is how it’s going to help you in your health and in your wallet. They can’t be doing all this other stuff that people can’t connect with.
Sahil Kapur
Sahil Kapur is a congressional reporter for TPM. He previously covered politics and public policy for numerous publications including The Guardian and The Huffington Post. He can be reached at sahil [at] talkingpointsmemo.com.
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