Print the page
Increase font size

Posted November 08, 2024

Matt Insley

By Matt Insley

The Path to Obamacare Repeal

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris delivered contrasting speeches following the 2024 presidential election results.

Trump's victory speech, while celebrating his win in key battleground states, focused primarily on his plans to “fix our borders” and improve the standard of living for Americans…

  • We're the party of common sense. We want to have borders. We want to have security. [We] want great education. We want a strong and powerful military. And ideally, we don't have to use it.

Unlike Trump's focus on economic and immigration policies, Harris’ speech emphasized just two social issues that were central to her campaign: abortion rights and gun control.

Like her concession speech, by making social issues the centerpiece of her campaign, Harris alienated voters who were more concerned about inflation, jobs — again, the economy — and border security.

To come, one more highlight from Trump’s victory speech…

Your Rundown for Friday, November 8, 2024...

“I Will Govern by a Simple Motto”

“I will govern by a simple motto: promises made, promises kept,” Trump claims. “We're going to keep our promises. Nothing will stop me from keeping my word to you, the people.”

So says every president, right?

But Trump might actually have a chance to fulfill his pledge. Hear me out…

Republicans now have control of the U.S. Senate.

As for the House, the final tally and determination of House control may not be known until next week when Congress is back in session.

But Republicans have won 212 seats so far, while Democrats have secured 199 seats.

To have a majority, Republicans need to win just six of the remaining 24 uncalled races in states including California, Ohio, Arizona and Maine.

As the BBC notes: “Under Trump, a unified Republican Party could more easily push through tax cuts and introduce border control measures.”

On an even larger scale, if Republicans control two branches of the federal government…

Plus, the Supreme Court, which Trump stacked during his first term as president…

Trump's administration could potentially repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), aka Obamacare, in four steps:

  1. Draft legislation: Republicans in Congress could write a bill to repeal the ACA.
  2. Pass the bill: With a majority in both houses, Republicans could pass the repeal bill.
  3. Presidential signature: Trump would sign the bill into law.
  4. Supreme Court support: If challenged, the conservative-leaning Supreme Court would likely uphold the repeal.

Repealing the ACA was a central promise of Trump's first presidential campaign and a major focus early in his presidency, even though his stance has evolved.

More recently, Trump has moderated his position, claiming he's “not running to terminate” the ACA but rather to improve it.

Here’s my question to you, reader: What are your thoughts on Trump’s shift from full repeal to “reform” of the ACA?

And what alternatives to the ACA would you like to see proposed, if any?

Market Rundown for Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

S&P 500 futures are slightly in the red, still over 6,000 now.

Oil is down 1.65% to $71.15 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold is down 0.10% to $2,702.20 per ounce.

And Bitcoin is down 0.85% to $75,970.

The Backbone of American Power

The Backbone of American Power

Posted May 25, 2026

By Matt Insley

Behind every decorated commander, every seasoned officer and every military story that survives the passage of time… there are names that don’t make it into the headlines.
The Reagans’ Secret Advisor

The Reagans’ Secret Advisor

Posted May 22, 2026

By Mason Sexton

Mason traces a hidden thread running from ancient rulers… to the White House.
Massie’s MAGA Test

Massie’s MAGA Test

Posted May 20, 2026

By Matt Insley

Tuesday’s Kentucky primary became something bigger than a House race in a safely Republican district.
DoorDash and Deadly Sins

DoorDash and Deadly Sins

Posted May 18, 2026

By Matt Insley

Silicon Valley preaches the gospel of frictionless living… But at what cost?
Elon’s Real Moonshot Is Underground

Elon’s Real Moonshot Is Underground

Posted May 15, 2026

By Matt Insley

Excluding SpaceX, I think the most exciting of Musk’s private companies is the one with the most self-deprecating name.
Hantavirus, Explained

Hantavirus, Explained

Posted May 13, 2026

By Emily Clancy

On April 1, a Dutch expedition ship departed Patagonia on what was supposed to be the adventure of a lifetime. It became something else.