Paul Krugman認証済みアカウント

It's not just the fake populism, although that's a big deal. Older working-class voters would take an enormous hit under Trumpcare 2/

The CBO finds, for example, that a 64-year-old with an income of 26K would see net premium rise from $1700 to $14,600. Promises broken 3/

But also bear in mind that Trump voters believed they were choosing someone effective, who knew how to get things done. And here we are 4/

The first and most important legislative initiative is stupid as well as cruel -- complete incompetence in drafting and selling 5/

So Trump voters thought they were getting a smart guy who'd fight for them; got a self-dealing blowhard with no idea how to govern 6/

And all of this should, of course, have been obvious all along END/

@paulkrugman Yes. But the interesting thing is Trump might not let them down. He could pivot against Ryan's plan and defect.

@paulkrugman What Trump should do: Initially, signal support for Ryan's plan, w/vague reservations you never really clarify.

@paulkrugman Don't demand amendments or introduce changes for now. Rather, let the pain of the plan sink in and fall totally on Ryan's head.

@paulkrugman At some point next week, signal you have reservations about loss of coverage, especially on MEDICAID. Focus on that.

@paulkrugman Then: Execute sharp pivot. Throw Ryan under the bus on Medicaid coverage. Blame O'Care repeal delays on Congressional Rs.

@paulkrugman Trump keeps O'Care benefits w/out being blamed for not repealing it; Paul Ryan gets screwed; the GOP now fully Trump's party.

@ezlusztig Possible, but assumes a level of competence and desire to help people on the part of Trump that is not in evidence @paulkrugman

@SteveZiss0u @paulkrugman Agree. But in this case, Trump's motives don't have to be altruistic - at all. This is in his self-interest.

@paulkrugman They were sold a bucket of fear. And they will believe it because they continue to be afraid.

@paulkrugman of Muslims, of women, of gays, of trans women in restrooms, of Mexicans, of Democrats, of Obama, of people of color, etc, etc.

@paulkrugman And they will take their elders dying and they will say "thank you". Because they didn't die in a terrorist attack today.

@tdMcMains @paulkrugman or have to tolerate a black or brown person or hear a " mouthy" female complain about her rights.