logoalt Hacker News

lapcatyesterday at 4:00 PM4 repliesview on HN

This is why it doesn't happen: politicians get bought.

"Jeffries co-sponsored Medicare for All legislation between 2013 and 2021, but in August 2026, he stated he shifted his stance and stated that he no longer supports or co-sponsors the proposal." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakeem_Jeffries#Healthcare


Replies

juicelandyesterday at 4:03 PM

Universal healthcare doesn’t happen in the US because a certain subset of the American population would rather have worse health outcomes than guarantee abortions, HIV prevention, and gender-affirming care.

Also, ~150M people with employer coverage plus seniors on Medicare fear disruption more than they value expansion.

show 3 replies
brainwadyesterday at 4:03 PM

This could equally be explained by wanting to be perceived as more moderate/centrist. Which would make sense for someone in a leadership position.

show 1 reply
mmoossyesterday at 4:09 PM

There are many reasons Jeffries might change positions; why do you say the reason was that he was bought? Is there evidence?

Many Democratic politicians are moving away from progressive positions, including Ocasio-Cortez. They seem to be following the old (and failed) Democratic Party tactic of moving to the center to get elected.

show 1 reply
triceratopsyesterday at 4:06 PM

One of two major political parties, and the one that currently holds all 3 branches of federal government, has labelled it un-American and communist. And yet you point the finger at...a Democrat.

show 1 reply