In an effort to court House Republicans skeptical of the GOP’s Obamacare replacement plan, President Trump is hosting them at the White House for a bowling and pizza party.
The president's folksy blue-collar turn with members of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus could be the first of several monthly or even weekly such get-togethers.
The idea is a White House charm offensive calculated to win over Republicans who are skeptical of the American Health Care Act, a replacement for Obamacare that has the GOP's tea party wing complaining.
Arizona Rep. Trent Franks, one of the Freedom Caucus members, told CNN that he'll be at the bowling outing to hear the White House's pitch, even if Trump only makes an appearance and doesn't knock down any pins himself.
Office of Management and Budget director Mick Mulvaney will be the main draw. Pizza will reportedly be served.
“Invitations to the White House are not terribly uncommon, but if it gives us an opportunity to hear some reasonable input, then I'm excited to hear it,” Franks said.
“I think communication is a good thing, it doesn't even have to be charming, you know, if that's not conducive to effective communication.”
Trump seemed confident he’d be able to make the deal happen.
“Despite what you hear in the press, healthcare is coming along great. We are talking to many groups and it will end in a beautiful picture,” he tweeted Thursday.
Despite what you hear in the press, healthcare is coming along great. We are talking to many groups and it will end in a beautiful picture!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2017
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer was equally optimistic of the bill’s success, telling reporters, “this bill will land on the president's desk. He will sign it. We will repeal Obamacare.”