Analysis: McConnell stakes it all on health care bill
The shrewd Kentuckian has made himself practically the sole arbiter of the bill and will be largely responsible for the outcome, whether it's a win, a loss, or a win that turns into a loss over time as unpopular consequences of the legislation take hold.
McConnell decided to keep the bill close, writing it in secret with a close circle of aides and eschewing committee hearings, despite grumbling from fellow
McConnell made it clear to President
And McConnell made the decision to release the bill this week and push toward a vote next week, ignoring pleas from some lawmakers for more time. After seven years of
"
For McConnell, 75, whose reputation as a legislative tactician has grown to near legendary proportions, the health care bill may be the biggest test of all. He's dealing with an unpopular piece of legislation that affects nearly every American personally and a diverse conference that includes moderates and conservatives, both of whom have problems with the bill.
And, he has almost no margin for error. McConnell will be able to lose only two senators from his 52-member conference and still pass the bill, with Vice President
"It's like walking through a minefield for him," said Republican Sen.
Nonetheless, allies say if anyone can get the job done, it's McConnell. In a decade leading
At the annual Republican congressional retreat earlier this year, colleagues stood up and applauded McConnell for his strategy on the
And now, on health care, McConnell is moving forward with similar resolve, once again ignoring reservations and second-guessing.
"Somebody has to lead, and somebody has to govern. He's the leader, and the
"If there's one member of
McConnell's challenges became clear immediately after the bill was released, as four conservative senators announced their opposition to the legislation as drafted. Sens.
On the other side, moderate-leaning senators like
For now, the outcome can only be guessed at.
But McConnell has made a career out of navigating such cross currents, especially since obtaining his dream job as majority leader after
During the Obama years — whether leading the
He leaned on his relationship with Vice President
McConnell also tried to prevent the 2013 government shutdown, but was overridden by tea party forces in the House. And on several occasions he helped orchestrate orderly action on must-do legislation to raise the so-called debt limit.
He doesn't always prevail. McConnell is not a fan of unnecessary conversation and plays his cards close to his chest, which can create the impression that he has a secret plan up his sleeve when that's not the case. Confounding his predictions, and on his watch,
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