But the political impact will inevitably fall hardest on President Trump, who presented himself in the presidential campaign as a man singularly positioned to serve as the ultimate deal maker in Washington. During the campaign, Trump mocked traditional politicians as negligent negotiators not up to the task of forging agreements for the benefit of Americans, whether in the area of trade or healthcare policy. Trump, in brief remarks after Ryan (R-Wis.) pulled the bill from consideration, did not take responsibility for its demise. The ideological divisions that marked the healthcare debate are likely to resurface during discussions of tax policy and the budget. Trump likely did not help himself by backing a healthcare plan that was less popular than he is.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 24, 2017 22:53 UTC