Right Change: Obamacare Mandate Survives as a Tax

In a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, Obamacare, including the individual mandate, was upheld in a 5-4 decision. Chief Justice John Roberts voted to uphold the entire law while moderate Justice Anthony Kennedy joined Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Antonin Scalia in voting against the law. The individual mandate was seen as unconstitutional against the Commerce Clause, but upheld as a tax. It is interesting to note back in 2009 when Obamacare was passed, President Obama reiterated the mandate was in fact, not a tax. Lucky for him, the Supreme Court said he was wrong.

In a debate with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, the president argued vehemently against accusations of more taxes in this bill.

While this decision is a short-term victory for Democrats and President Obama, Republicans and Mitt Romney are certain to now campaign on repealing the law if elected in November. With over 54% of Americans saying they wanted the entire law repealed, Romney is certain to add this to his campaign focus on fixing the economy. The next few months become very clear for the Romney campaign: run on the fact the economy is not improving and this health care law will only make things worse. 

Democrats will cheer this as a huge victory for them and the entire Obama administration. Will this be enough to keep the president in office or will it be the catalyst for boosting the Republicans to new seats in the Congress and victory in the White House? Many are seeing this as a “tax” on all Americans, and the Obama administration will have a tough time defending this before the November elections.

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