It may not be a tactic employed by most politicians – but then again, Donald Trump isn’t most politicians.
During a meeting of key Senate Republicans and President Trump, the latter issued a warning to one senator in particular over his opposition to a repeal and replace bill for Obamacare.
And he did it right in his presence, for all to see.
Dean Heller (R-NV) was on the receiving end of a warning from the President who was discussing his dismay at opposition to a health care plan that Republicans have been promising for years.
“Look,” Trump warned, “he wants to remain a senator, doesn’t he?”
“I think the people of your state, which I know very well,” Trump continued, “I think they’re gonna appreciate what you hopefully will do.”
Message received.
Via Fox News Insider:
In his remarks, Trump demanded the Republican senators remain in Washington for the August recess until a bill is passed. He said lawmakers are “so close” on an agreement.
At one point, he turned to Heller as he discussed his surprise at those who came out against the legislation.
“Look, he wants to remain a senator, doesn’t he?” Trump asked, adding the people of Nevada will “appreciate” if Heller supports the bill.
Some on social media viewed the remark, which drew laughs, as a not-so-subtle threat to Heller, who’s facing re-election in 2018 in a state won by Hillary Clinton.
Heller laughed off the comments, saying it was just “President Trump being President Trump.”
Meanwhile, the perpetually overreacting left saw the comments as a legitimate threat, as opposed to a reasonable analysis that a Republican running for re-election might not win should he vote against something that his constituents have demanded for years.
Trump’s overt threats toward Sen. Heller, a GOP governor candidate in NJ, GOP secretaries of state will be GOLD for Democrats in 2018.
— Al Giordano (@AlGiordano) July 19, 2017
Heller sat there chuckling while being THREATENED by this….this….person.😡😡😡😡
— Tanya (@MommaTNYC) July 19, 2017
They conveniently forget all of the back room wheeling, dealing, and arm-twisting Barack Obama and his Democrat colleagues engaged in to get Obamacare passed in the first place.
When the House repeal bill was up for debate in March, President Trump issued a similar message to vulnerable Republicans up for re-election.
He warned that if you don’t pass the bill, “I honestly think many of you will lose your seats in 2018.”
It’s not a threat, it’s simply the reality of their situation.
Do Republicans need to repeal Obamacare to earn your vote? Share your thoughts below!
