John --
It was a striking moment of clarity. On the night of the first Democratic debate, moderator Lester Holt asked ten presidential contenders if they support abolishing the private insurance industry to achieve Medicare for All. Only two raised their hands.
On the second night, moderator Rachel Maddow asked the same question of ten more contenders. Again, only two raised their hands.
Can we really rely on the next President to lead the fight for healthcare for EVERY American?
It was meant as a gotcha question, framed in a negative way to scare people into thinking they would lose their insurance. For most of the participants, it worked. But 4 contenders raised their hands and said clearly that private insurance is the reason our healthcare system is broken.
Then, in the post-debate interviews, Sen. Kamala Harris immediately walked it back when she claimed to have misunderstood the question, and told an NBC correspondent:
“Medicare for All — in my vision of Medicare for All, it includes private insurance where people can have supplemental insurance.” - Kamala Harris, after the debate
The takeaway here is crystal clear. No matter who gets elected in November next year, we need a Brand New Congress to get the job done.
Whether it’s Medicare for All or the Green New Deal, modernizing our infrastructure, affordable housing, federally funded childcare, or debt-free college and trade school, the only way we will pass the progressive agenda the vast majority of Americans want is with a Brand New Congress.
We are building a slate of exciting progressive candidates from across the country who are willing to take on the big banks, pharmaceutical cartels and insurance giants. In 2020, we are fielding both House and Senate candidates who will work together, even when party leaders have a different agenda, and get the job done.
Help us build the resources to get them elected. Right now we are $4,097 dollars short of our EOM goal. Can you chip in $5, $10, or $28 today to get us over the finish line?
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
In solidarity,
Cory Archibald
Board Chair
Brand New Congress
