“There are no longer any good outcomes for McConnell — politically speaking. There are bad ones and less bad ones. And putting the onus on other senators means there will be more blame to go around when all of it comes to an end.”
…
The effort to “repeal and immediately replace” Obamacare “will not be successful,” McConnell admitted. In its place in the coming days, he would call for a vote to open debate on the House-passed bill — unpopular among most senators — with the aim of amending that bill with the straight-up repeal bill that his more conservative members desire.
…
He was giving the conservatives the chance to vote on a straight-up repeal. But first they would have to record their vote for a House bill they loathe.
[with no guarantees that the amendments attached to the bill as a result of the open debate will be the ones they want – a repeal amendment that may not pass versus other possible amendments that could pass]
It’s all about shifting blame. If ultraconservatives vote “no” = no debate, McConnell can put the blame on their shoulders. If the ultraconservatives vote “yes” = start a debate on the House bill, they are potentially back in business if enough moderates vote “yes,” too. Either way, McConnell has given himself options for finger-pointing and lessening the effect of his failure on his power.
Why is Mitch McConnell still calling for a health-care vote? – The Washington Post
Hearseeno 