Trump launches into early morning tweetstorm on John McCain, Graham-Cassidy healthcare bill
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
Trump's main focus was drumming up support for the latest Republican attempt to repeal and replace Obamacare, the Graham-Cassidy bill, in addition to disinviting the Golden State Warriors from the White House.
The president started off by attacking Sen, John McCain, who announced Friday that he would vote against the bill due to the rushed process being used by the GOP to shove the bill through the Senate. Republicans have until September 30 to pass the bill on a party-line vote.
"John McCain never had any intention of voting for this Bill, which his Governor loves," Trump tweeted. "He campaigned on Repeal & Replace. Let Arizona down!"
McCain also was one of three Republican senators to vote down the earlier attempt by Republicans to repeal Obamacare in July. The Arizona senator implored his colleagues to return to regular order and hold bipartisan talks to come to a solution on healthcare, which he said is not what happened with Graham-Cassidy.
Interestingly, Sen. Lindsey Graham - an author of the bill - is one of McCain's close friends in the Senate. Trump made mention of this connection as well, calling Graham "L.G."
"Large Block Grants to States is a good thing to do. Better control & management," the president said. "Great for Arizona. McCain let his best friend L.G. down!"
Thomson Reuters
Trump also used Twitter to pressure two other Republican lawmakers to support the bill. One, Sen. Rand Paul, already said he would not support the bill because it did not go far enough in repealing Obamacare.
"I know Rand Paul and I think he may find a way to get there for the good of the Party!" said Trump.
The other, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, voted against the healthcare bills in July but has not given a definitive answer on the Graham-Cassidy bill.
"Alaska had a 200% plus increase in premiums under ObamaCare, worst in the country," Trump tweeted. "Deductibles high, people angry! Lisa M comes through."
So far both McCain and Paul have come out definitively against the bill, and Sen. Susan Collins said she is "leaning" towards a no vote. If three Republicans vote against the bill, it will fail. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell intends to bring the bill to the floor for a vote some time next week.
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