• Brian Beutler in New Republic:

“It is probably more useful for observers to think of the bill as a widget working its way through a machine that Republicans are struggling to keep in working order.”

Mr. Beutler believes that the Republican leadership is attempting to “lie Trumpcare into law,” misleading constituents about protections for pre-existing conditions and the number of people who will be left uninsured under the new legislation. Supporters of the Affordable Care Act can hope, he writes, that “the linchpin of the Trumpcare blitz is the persuasive powers” of Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, whom he characterizes as “one of the most hated members of the Senate, even within the G.O.P. conference.” Read more »

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• Andrew Kahn in Slate:

“Sexual politics aside, our glee in calling Trump gay says more about us than it does about him.”

Mr. Kahn objects to liberal commentators who denigrate President Trump by imagining him as a gay man. In part a response to Frank Bruni’s Op-Ed column, “Donnie and Vlad: A Love Story,” Mr. Kahn’s view is that “the joke is not that old, but it feels ancient.” Regardless of the intentions of the person making the joke, it nevertheless reinforces a “visceral kind of homophobia” and “weaponizes an older, less contemporary, and therefore less taboo kind of bigotry.” Read more »

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• Paul Waldman in The Washington Post:

“The time has come for Republicans to cut their losses and do the right thing. It won’t be easy, but there are no easy options left for them.”

As they return from their July 4th recess, Republicans should “cut their losses and do the right thing” when it comes to health care. Mr. Waldman offers some policy proposals that may put off the G.O.P.’s “goal of destroying Medicaid,” but promises to show the American people “that they’re capable of seriously addressing a policy challenge.” Read more »