04-06-2012, 12:51 AM
I think it's soundbite punditry to denounce Obama for this.
How about we consider the "clarified" view that uses administration comments after the juicy soundbite in the OP's link: that the health care law is as socially significant as Social Security and Medicare, so you have a basis for the argument that striking down sweeping social-welfare legislation is unprecedented in the modern, post-1929 era, at least.
I don't deny it sounds ad hoc like Obama digging himself (with help) out of a rhetorical hole, but this is big stuff. I don't see why Obama can't be allowed a few tries to refine his case.
To travel down the slippery slope, if ACA is struck down, what constitutional authority is behind Medicare and Social Security to protect them from a similar challenge? Or Welfare? Or Unemployment?
How about we consider the "clarified" view that uses administration comments after the juicy soundbite in the OP's link: that the health care law is as socially significant as Social Security and Medicare, so you have a basis for the argument that striking down sweeping social-welfare legislation is unprecedented in the modern, post-1929 era, at least.
I don't deny it sounds ad hoc like Obama digging himself (with help) out of a rhetorical hole, but this is big stuff. I don't see why Obama can't be allowed a few tries to refine his case.
To travel down the slippery slope, if ACA is struck down, what constitutional authority is behind Medicare and Social Security to protect them from a similar challenge? Or Welfare? Or Unemployment?
