Story highlights The repeal of Obamacare was all but assumed after Republicans won the White House.

Obama's spokesman, Kevin Lewis, tweeted several photos of his boss in celebratory poses.

Washington (CNN) Democrats erupted in glee Friday afternoon after dozens of Republicans spurned their party leadership and the White House to keep Obamacare alive, at least for now.

The repeal of Obamcare was all but assumed after Republicans won the White House and kept control of both houses of Congress in November. But a surprising level of dissent within the GOP ranks has allowed President Barack Obama's signature health care program to live on in the immediate term.

In a rare public comment, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared that the "victory happened because people in every corner of our country committed their time and energy to calling their representatives, showing up at town hall meetings, and making their voices heard."

The 2016 Democratic presidential nominee also tweeted a series of messages highlighting people she encountered on the campaign trail who spoke to her about their health care issues or crediting Obamacare for helping them.

Ryan, who was born with a disability and with the support of his family and world-class health care has had a lifetime of opportunities. pic.twitter.com/aHB9xvWU34 — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 24, 2017

Other Democrats seemed content to rub in the victory.

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