Collins, Murkowski and McCain: Who Saved Obamacare?

And is that what we should be focusing on?

In the post-vote analysis, the question of which Republican saved the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, is one whose answer depends on the story that is being told.

Was it Sen. John McCain, who returned to Congress after surgery and a cancer diagnosis to finally do the right thing after first voting to begin debate on unknown, unseen legislation? Was it instead Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Susan Collins, who consistently delivered nays throughout the entire unorthodox ordeal, unswayed by external influences save for the needs of their consituents? Or was it a necessarily joint effort of all three?

Let’s take a look at some of the interpretations:

Gail Collins wrote in The New York Times that “John McCain’s ‘no’ vote was the high point of the drama, but Collins and Murkowski were the fierce, consistent forces of resistance that gave McCain his opportunity.”

She

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in