Is Kamala Harris' New Medicare-for-All Push a Sign She Will Run in 2020?

[DonViejo]

The California senator on Wednesday added herself to a growing chorus of Democrats in support of expanded health care coverage—viewed by some as a potential litmus test.

GIDEON RESNICK
08.30.17 10:15 PM ET

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) announced her support on Wednesday for a Medicare for All bill set to be introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) after the August recess.

“I’ll break some news. I intend to co-sponsor the Medicare-for-All bill because it’s just the right thing to do,” Harris said to huge applause at a town hall in Oakland. “It’s just the right thing to do. Somebody should tell my staff,” she joked.

“This should not be a partisan issue,” Harris continued, addressing the crowd. “It shouldn’t even be a bipartisan issue, it should be a nonpartisan issue.”

The Medicare for All bill would create a national health insurance system and is seen as symbolic at this stage, signaling that Democrats should prioritize the issue. Harris had previously supported the concept of single-payer health care but hadn’t endorsed any particular bill.

The senator, already seen as a potential contender for the presidency in 2020, also framed the issue as a sensible one from a financial perspective.

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http://www.thedailybeast.com/is-kamala-harris-new-medicare-for-all-push-a-2020-sign

[yallerdawg]

1. Why the hell not?

A Republican Congress and president?

Just like voting to "repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act" and sending it to President Obama. Only this won't be getting on anyone's desk.

Great for a campaign, though! One more box checked!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

2. A box checked alright, but I'm more interested to see Kamala's passion for actually getting it done

should she run for President and win.

[R B Garr]

4. Ah, so the standards are already higher for Kamala. She has to actually get legislation passed,

as opposed to just talking about it endlessly.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

8. lol good straw man argument! Just sayin checkin a box lot different than being a passionate advocate

... has ZERO to do with getting legislation passed, which is the obvious goal and depends on a vast variety of factors.

[R B Garr]

10. Yet Hillary Clinton was very passionate about healthcare when Bill was President,

but there were other political realities and, as you said, a vast variety of factors. She's still excoriated for things beyond her control.

I can't imagine being able to judge Bernie based on what his demeanor is about topics rather than his actual record. From what you said there, she is still being held to a different standard. She has to demonstrate passion. When is that required of other politicians??

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

14. Passion refers more to ACTIONS than words, i.e., checkin boxes...

... that should be required of ALL politicians in my view. Kamala, though a little late to the "single-payer healthcare" party, is no less a valuable addition.

No doubt, Bernie is happy to welcome her aboard, as am I. All I'm saying is let's see how she follows through and pushes for it.

We need fighters, not followers. Is that REALLY to much to ask of our Democratic politicians, especially those who want to be our leaders? I think not.

[NurseJackie]

9. You make a valid and demonstrable point. Standards vary, depending on...

... who's doing the grading and depending on who's being evaluated and judged.

[R B Garr]

12. Exactly. Now Kamala has to demonstrate passion about healthcare. I don't recall men

having to show passion for anything.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

6. Depends on the makeup of Congress after the next two Congressional elections

I certainly wouldn't hold it against her if she can't get done in 2021. Getting her or another Medicare-for-all supporter elected President will mean squat for actual passage if he/she doesn't have a majority Democratic House and filibuster-proof Democratic Senate to get it through- and that's ASSUMING that there won't be a few reluctant Democrats to contend with. Let's just make sure we all keep voting for progressive candidates in every election at every level and it might just happen but please, for crying out loud, let's not abandon her if she doesn't get it done immediately, especially if she doesn't have the numbers in Congress if and when she gets elected President.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

7. I wouldn't hold it against her either.

[ismnotwasm]

3. I hope so--she's a badass.

And a damn good Democrat

[BannonsLiver]

5. Kamalacare

Can't claim to have come up with that, but I do like it very much.

[aidbo]

11. Let's ask the 8 ball!

[Warren DeMontague]

13. I think she would be a formidable candidate. Booker, also.

And it's worth noting that both of them recognize the way the winds are blowing on legalizing marijuana, too.