The U.S. House of Representatives last week passed a health care bill that only the blind, dumb or dishonest could call good for any but the wealthy. For its many flaws, it has been hailed as a ticket to congressional gains for the Democratic Party. Two things:

Yes. There’s campaign fodder there. The bill is a gift to the wealthy in tax cuts financed by loss or hurtful reduction in health coverage for 24 million people, particularly older, poorer and sicker Americans.

Advertisement

If 2016 proved anything, it proved the danger of political assumptions. Transparently awful stuff  — suggesting that a war hero was a coward; bragging about sexual assault; serial lying; Russian alliances — doesn’t necessarily disqualify a candidate. A New York Times analysis said Democrats believe every House district is in play, particularly those where President Trump didn’t run strongly.

The analysis looked at districts where Trump received less than 55 percent of the vote as potential pickups if the current Republican congressman/woman voted for the health bill. Such districts include the 2nd District of Arkansas.

Advertisement

The 2nd District doesn’t strike me as a great fit, however. Pulaski County, the most populous, still votes Democratic. But the surrounding counties are trending deeply and reflexively red. Still, 2nd District Republican Rep. French Hill, a starchy banker whose main concern in voting to repeal Obamacare seemed to be concern for profits of insurance companies (for whom his wife, coincidentally, lobbies), isn’t exactly Joe the Plumber.

The House vote got the Arkansas Democratic network (such as it remains) chattering. I’m reasonably sure Democratic state Rep. Clark Tucker of Little Rock, to name one, got lots of encouragement. But it’s an uphill climb, even for a gifted politician, and the prize is perpetual commuting and money grubbing to work in a dysfunctional branch of government. Also, the Senate may yet bail the House Republicans out politically with a less awful piece of legislation.

Advertisement

Still, the spectacle of House Republicans loading what one writer called “party buses” to roll over to the White House to yuk it up about a vote that could devastate millions of sick people was an ill-conceived photo opportunity. But Congressman Hill did his duty. He even got caught in the act.

Say cheese, French!

Advertisement

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Chinese textile maker to invest in Forrest City; 800 jobs promised Next article From Russia with Love: Trump, Tom Cotton, Sarah Huckabee Sanders