Montana Gov. Steve Bullock had his first moment on the debate stage on Tuesday night. He used the time to make himself out to be a strong progressive with a track record of success in a red state that voted for President Donald Trump by more than 20 points.
One of the main issues he had with progressives beside him was their desire to get rid of Obamacare and replace it with Medicare For All. The reason? It took Democrats "decades of work to pass Obamacare."
"Now it's not just Republicans who want to repeal and replace Obamacare. Some Democrats on this stage do too," Bullock said. "I'm not going to support a plan that disrupts quality health care coverage from families who already have it."
I’d expand and extend Obamacare, with a public option to buy into Medicare. I’d give the government the ability to negotiate drug prices and end surprise medical billing once and for all.
— Steve Bullock (@GovernorBullock) July 31, 2019
That’s how we can make healthcare accessible and affordable for all Americans. #DemDebate
He hit at progressives, saying those who are "true progressives" wouldn't be so quick to tear down Obamacare. Instead, they'd build on its progress.
Let’s be clear about what some folks on this stage want. Not only are the Republicans trying to repeal and replace Obamacare, so are they.
— Steve Bullock (@GovernorBullock) July 31, 2019
True progressives build on progress. I’d build on Obamacare, not tear it down. #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/4FkRTie67J
According to Bullock, health care is deeply personal. He talked about his son having a heart attack within 24 hours of being born. He had to be life flighted from Montana to Salt Lake City for medical care and, because the Bullocks had decent health care, he was alive to see his dad on the Democratic debate stage.
My 12 year old son Cam had a heart attack the day he was born. He was put in a helicopter and rushed to the hospital in Salt Lake City. They read him his last rites.
— Steve Bullock (@GovernorBullock) July 31, 2019
Because we had insurance, he’s here with me tonight. #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/i39Y9GTTjf
He went on to explain why he's not in favor of Medicare For All.
"At the end of the day, I'm not going to rip away quality health care from individuals. This is an example of 'wishlist economics," Bullock explained. "It used to be just Republicans that wanted to repeal and replace [Obamacare] but now many Democrats do as well."
"We can get there with a public option. Negotiate drug prices," he said.
Folks on this stage are campaigning on “Wishlist Economics” — and there’s no truer example than Medicare for All. #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/QlwWlOoKZq
— Steve Bullock (@GovernorBullock) July 31, 2019