Trailhead

Round One: Health Care

The first question is about intraparty tribal warfare, but we’re already talking about the nuances of health-care plans! What’s going on?

The foundation of Clinton’s argument is that by not pursuing universal health care, Obama undermines a foundational Democratic value. Clinton points out, as she has before, that Obama’s plan doesn’t offer universal health care but does require a mandate for children. Why not expand it to everyone?

Obama is forced to defend a difficult nuance: He says he wants universal care, but his plan doesn’t provide it. “Every expert has said that anyone who wants health care under my plan will be able to obtain it,” he says.

Also important: Did Obama just say “Massatusetts”? Twice?