The first question Paul Ryan faced at National Review Institute’s Ideas Summit on Friday was far from the easiest.
“Is it Ryancare or Trumpcare?” Rich Lowry asked.
Without hesitation, Ryan responded, “It’s the American Health Care Act.”
Since the bill’s release less than two weeks ago, opposing parties have sought desperately to pin the controversial legislation to either Trump or Ryan. Trump supporters, many of whom remain displeased with a bill they see as “Obamacare 2.0,” are actively positioning Ryan as a scapegoat to explain away an early letdown.
Still, earlier Friday morning, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway continued to express the president’s support for the AHCA, reminding the summit’s audience that it was only the first of three phrases.
Ryan himself revealed in a radio interview last week that the president helped congressional Republicans “write the bill,” working “hand in glove” together.
“He is fully committed,” Ryan reiterated on Friday.
That being said, maybe it’s actually progressive MSNBC host Joy Reid who coined the bill’s best moniker, joining together the president and house speaker’s names to simply label the plan “Tryancare.”
Emily Jashinsky is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
