By Robin Cornetet and Tom Latek
Special to NKyTribune
President Donald Trump continued his push to repeal and replace “Obamacare,” speaking Monday at a rally in Kentucky, the home state of one of the most enthusiastic cheerleaders for the White House-backed health care plan and also one of its chief critics.
“This is our long-awaited chance to finally get rid of Obamacare,” Trump told a friendly crowd in Louisville. “We’re going to do it.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, addressing the crowd ahead of Trump’s speech, said Obamacare has proven too expensive for people to use.
President Donald Trump continued his push to repeal and replace “Obamacare,” speaking Monday at a rally in Kentucky (Kentucky Today Photo)
“Here in Kentucky, it’s been a disaster,” McConnell said.
Sen. Rand Paul made the rounds in Kentucky earlier in the day, telling a group of business leaders in Louisville that he hopes Trump’s plan fails quickly so that talks can begin on a workable solution to the nation’s health care issues. Paul, who didn’t attend the Monday night rally, has dubbed Trump’s plan “Obamacare-lite.”
Paul is among a vocal group of Republican conservatives who oppose the proposal. Trump opted not to criticize Paul for his stand, instead offering an olive branch.
“I happen to like a lot Sen. Rand Paul,” Trump said. “I do. I like him. He’s a good guy. And I look forward to working with him, so we can get this bill passed in some form, so that we can pass massive tax reform, which we can’t do until this happens.”
Trump said he is working closely with McConnell to get the health care reforms passed.
He also mentioned Kentucky Republican U.S. Reps. Andy Barr and James Comer, thanking them for their support just days ahead of Thursday’s planned House vote.
Robin Cornetet and Tom Latek write for KentuckyToday.com
