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National Journal
Lobbying correspondent for the National Journal, where he writes the Influence Alley blog on the intersection of money, politics, and policy; former reporter for Politico and author of Politico Pulse, its daily newsletter
PROFILE
Chris Frates
Guest
FROM Chris Frates
Which Way, L.A.?
The House Votes to Repeal 'Obamacare' Today -- for the 33rd time -- House Republicans are voting to repeal President Obama's healthcare law, frequently referred to as "Obamacare," with the Democratic Senate expected to ignore it altogether. In the aftermath of the US Supreme Court decision, is it good politics to debate the issue all over again?
To the Point
Election-Year Politics and Healthcare Today -- for the 33rd time -- House Republicans are voting to repeal President Obama's Affordable Care Act, with no chance that the Senate will go along. The House and Senate wrangling is political theater while the real action takes place in the states. Texas and Florida are rejecting billions of federal dollars, rather than expanding Medicaid for the uninsured. Washington State has begun implementation. The US Supreme Court created the opportunity for different approaches, so election-year politics may be the ultimate "decider." We hear about the rhetoric, the multiple realities and the potential consequences for 50 million Americans who don't have health insurance.
Which Way, L.A.?
The Sudden Emergence of Super PAC's So called political Super PAC's have been made possible by recent decisions of the US Supreme Court. They have names like " Restore Our Future ," " Winning Our Future " and " Make Us Great Again ." The latest thing in political finance, these massive war chests supposedly are independent of candidates. But their real purpose is to support particular candidates like Mitt Romney , Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry . Based on this year's campaign so far, how are they changing the political process?
To the Point
The Sudden Emergence of Super PAC's Super PAC's are the latest thing in political finance. These massive financial war chests allowed by recent Supreme Court decisions are spending more than the candidates -- $26 million so far -- without disclosing their sources. With names like " Restore Our Future ," " Winning Our Future " and " Make Us Great Again ," their real purpose is to support particular candidates like Mitt Romney , Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry . Based on this year's campaign records, what's been their impact on election results so far?
Which Way, L.A.?
Obama Calls Green Bay a Model for Healthcare Reform President Obama continues his drive to rein in rising healthcare costs. Today he hosted a townhall meeting in Green Bay, Wisconsin, a city that may be a model for effective – and efficient – healthcare. Chris Frates is a reporter for Politico and author of The Pulse, its daily newsletter.
To the Point
Obama Calls Green Bay a Model for Healthcare Reform President Obama continues his drive to rein in rising healthcare costs. Today he hosted a townhall meeting in Green Bay, Wisconsin, a city that may be a model for effective – and efficient – healthcare. Chris Frates is a reporter for Politico and author of The Pulse, its daily newsletter.
Recommended
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.
To the Point
Janesville and the American Dream Janesville, Wisconsin is the hometown of Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. But he couldn’t prevent the closing of the General Motors factory after 100 years. On this Memorial Day rebroadcast of To the Point, we hear what’s happened to what once was a model of American middle-class unity.
To the Point
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.