Brinksmanship

Starting in 2008 ...

Obama:

We’re going to create a Medicare For All plan.

Republicans:

You can’t do that. It’ll hurt the insurance industry

Obama:

Ok, we’ll keep private insurance, but offer a public option alongside.

Republicans:

No public option. Private insurers can’t compete with that.

Obama:

Ok, but we’re not going to mandate that people buy insurance.

Republicans:

You have to have a mandate. That keeps costs down.

Obama:

Ok, we’ll do that.

Republicans:

You can’t. It’s unconstitutional.

Several years and one re-election later …

Republicans:

We’re going to shut down the government and destroy the country’s credit rating unless you dismantle your health care bill.

Obama:

I can’t do that.

Republicans:

What?!?! Why can’t you compromise?