Summary
On June 27, 2019, a second set of 10 candidates took the stage for what was part two of the first series of debates for the 2020 Democratic Presidential primaries. As with the first night, candidates answered questions spanning across many key policy topics, including climate change, gun safety, immigration, and foreign policy, among others. The conversation of course included health care as well, with the event quickly turning to the topic in just the first few minutes.
As with our summary of the first debate (WHG summary here), we provide a brief recap of this evening’s health care remarks below.
- Comprehensive Health Reform (Medicare for All, Public Option) – In the first question of the night, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders (background and polling) was asked if taxes for the middle class would go up in order to pay for programs like Medicare for All. Sen. Sanders replied that Americans would pay less for health care under Medicare for All because there would be no deductibles, premiums or copays. He continued that the middle class would ultimately pay more in taxes, but less for health care.
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- The Role of Private Insurance – In a show of hands of who would eliminate private health insurance in favor of a national government-run health care plan, Sen. Sanders and California Senator Kamala Harris (background and polling) affirmed their support of such a change. New York Senator Kristen Gillibrand (background and polling) favored a public option buy-in transition period which, as she stated, would create the quickest path to universal health care. Mayor of South Bend Peter Buttigieg (background and polling) supported a “Medicare for all who want it,” agreeing that a buy-in option could provide an efficient plan to transition to single payer. Former Vice President Joe Biden (background and polling) expressly affirmed his support for building upon the existing ACA system, and also suggested that a Medicare-like public option would support the ACA’s improvement. Colorado Governor Michael Bennett (background and polling) also supported building upon the ACA and allowing families to make the best decision on the insurance they purchase. He then added that Medicare for All was rejected in Vermont due to the need for higher taxes.
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- Implementation – Sen. Sanders was asked how he would implement Medicare for All when no state has previously been successful in doing so. Sen. Sanders replied that other countries have been able to accomplish universal health care at half the cost the United States currently spends. He continued that the current health care system if focused on profits rather than people and concluded that Medicare for All will be achievable when millions of people stand up to the insurance companies and demand health care as right.
- Pharmaceutical Prices – The moderators asked Author Marianne Williamson (background and polling) how she would lower prescription drug prices. She replied by characterizing the current health care system as not providing health care, but rather sick care, and that the underlying causes of chronic illnesses need to be addressed. By addressing these underlying causes – she alluded to environmental issues, food and nutrition issues, and others – she stated that health care and specifically pharmaceutical costs would decrease.
- Health Care for Undocumented Immigrants – In a show of hands of who would cover undocumented immigrants in their health care plans, there was unanimous support from the candidates. Mayor Buttigieg stated that the country is healthier when immigrants have access to health care. Vice President Biden added that the country cannot let sick people go without coverage and adding immigrants to health care could extend the life of social security and reduce the overall costs of health care.
- Women’s Reproductive Health – Sen. Sanders reminded viewers that, under his Medicare for All plan, all women would have access to all reproductive and contraceptive services. Following this, Sen. Gillibrand asserted that “women’s’ reproductive rights are under assault,” citing the activity of “30 states” to overturn Roe v. Wade. Stating that “we have to stop playing defense and start playing offense,” she proclaimed she would “guarantee women’s freedom no matter what.”
In a discussion about the current state of the Democratic party, the moderators referenced a quote from former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper (background and polling), in which he stated that “socialism is not the answer.” They then asked the Governor to speak on which aspects of the Democratic platform were socialist. Gov. Hickenlooper replied that Democrats should clearly define that they are not socialists, and neither are their proposals, and commented that progressive reforms such as universal health care can be achieved without socialism, because they were done so in Colorado. Moderators then asked Sen. Sanders if nominating a socialist would reelect President Trump. Sen. Sanders replied that President Trump’s effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would get a Democrat elected.
Following their remarks tonight and yesterday, candidates have approximately one month before they reenter the debate stage. On July 30 and 31, candidates will again answer a series of politically pertinent questions in a similar format, but this time hosted by CNN in Detroit, Michigan.