Progressives pitching Medicare for all could give us four more years

Of course, single-payer advocates argue that the new taxes would merely replace current premiums, and that in the long run taxpayers would actually spend less on health care. The truth of that proposition is best left for another day. For now it’s enough to note something that voters clearly understand: Single-payer means immediate loss of their current insurance, and higher taxes, while the savings are more uncertain and, at best, would take years to materialize.

Which is why that moment during the CNN town hall was so important. Medicare-for-all is obviously catnip to the progressive base, and just as obviously deadly nightshade to the suburbanites whom Trump has driven out of the Republican Party. You know, the ones who propelled Democrats to control of the House by such handsome margins in November.

Those suburbanites may be unhappy with the U.S. health-care system, but they are, paradoxically, mostly quite happy with their insurance. Three-quarters of those making more than $75,000 a year rate their own coverage as “excellent” or “good.” They will not be eager to give it up in exchange for an uncertain alternative.