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Trump's belligerent & dangerous behavior obscured how poorly Biden performed for much of #2020debate. On health care he totally misrepresented his own position-making it sound worse than it is. His lead on health fell dramatically in @StanGreenberg focus groups of debate watchers
Sure it was tough w/Trump hectoring, but Biden not only failed to explain his plans to build on #ACA but said his public option is "only for those people who are so poor they qualify for Medicaid they can get that free in most States." No it's not. It's available for everyone
including those who pay too much for employer provided care. His website: "Whether you’re covered through your employer, buying your insurance on your own, or going without coverage altogether, the Biden Plan will give you the choice to purchase a public health insurance option"
He would automatically enroll those eligible for Medicaid in GOP states that won't expand it, but importantly he makes this available to everyone. Again, tough w/Trump hectoring, but Biden never mentioned any of his plan's elements that aid the middle-class,
These include much higher subsidies for people buying on exchanges and allowing Medicare to negotiate w/drug companies for lower prices & forcing all drug companies who want to participate in Medicare to limit price increases to inflation.
Again: extenuating circumstances, but pretty astonishing that as Trump names a Justice who could overturn the #ACA, Biden portrays his biggest health initiative as something solely for poor-exactly the messaging Ds have been trying to escape from 1st day Obama unveiled ACA
Bottom line: in the @StanGreenberg dial groups, Biden's advantage over Trump dropped during the debate more on health care than any other issue, w/ very big decline among non-col white women: precisely the group that were Ds most important target on #PreExistingConditions in 2018
Trump's ominous and erratic behavior, his open incitement & encouragement of white nationalists, his summons for violence & intimidation on Election Day, all justifiably overshadowed Biden's performance. But apart from #ClimateChange he didn't effectively explain any of his plans
Focus group women re-contacted by @SarahLongwell25 reinforce: horrified by Trump but few impressed by Biden. He's clearly ahead & any day that doesn't change the dynamic is good 4 him. But no one should pretend he performed well enough to resolve the doubts voters hold about him.
