Waiting on the case

What percentage of Americans approve or disapprove of the Republican effort to repeal and replace Obamacare?

Whatever the number is, it's wrong.

Because who truly knows what exactly the Republicans' reasons are to be against it?

They have yet to make a detailed case, so they push for the legislation and what they've earned so far is the title of worst public relations in the history of lawmaking.

Repeal and replace is a cause Ted Cruz has never been more sure of than anything in his life.

So what are his reasons why? Anyone actually understand?

Something about another rise in the national debt and...?

At its core, the Republican leadership must oppose Obama's act on grounds of personal responsibility. To a Republican, things start with the individual. To a Democrat, it's about the many. The individual making smart decisions, budgeting to pay for health insurance, is what you want to build a society on.

Giving things away is questionable, and there is always a fine line to it.

For example, one concrete item that came through about Republicans hating Obamacare was the provision to make prescription birth control free.

They have a legitimate point. Things have value, and it's alright to insist that they cost something.

This is a point that Republicans could make about this part of Obamacare but never seem to.

Instead it's another vague proclamation about the debt or liberty or government over-reach.

So here we are, and all the Democrats have to say is, 23 million would lose insurance with the Senate plan, 24 million with the House’s, stay on parents' plan until 26, no restriction on pre-existing conditions. Any questions?

The Republicans' counterpoint has never materialized.

Instead they are like someone who walks up to a microphone and only gestures.

Say something, make a case.

Is it really just that you didn't like Obama? Is it that you solely want to protect the business interests of insurance companies? Or tax rates of high-earners? It has to be more than that.

It's past time for the Republicans to find someone who can walk up to a microphone and make a real statement or two on healthcare.

If they don't, the country will be left to assume the Democrats had the best argument.

Garth Meyer

Reporter