The Brian Lehrer Show Monday Morning Politics: Sen. Ernst on Medicaid; Democrats and 2028 & More
Jun 2, 2025
Jonathan Lemire, a contributing writer at The Atlantic and co-host of MSNBC's Morning Joe, dives into the latest political landscape. He discusses Sen. Joni Ernst's alarming remarks on Medicaid cuts, detailing the implications for voters and the Republican Party. The conversation shifts to the Democrats' outlook for the 2028 election and the ideological divide within Republican views on essential services versus tax cuts for the wealthy. Lemire also clarifies myths about Medicaid and undocumented immigrants, shedding light on the complexities of healthcare debates.
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Joni Ernst's Tone-Deaf Medicaid Comment
- Senator Joni Ernst's viral "everyone's going to die" comment revealed a political tone-deafness regarding Medicaid cuts.
- Her sarcastic apology highlighted a Republican ethos of never admitting mistakes and always forging ahead.
Trump's Hands-Off Medicaid Approach
- Trump appears inconsistent on Medicaid cuts, at times warning Republicans not to touch Medicaid but often being hands-off.
- He trusts the Senate to manage the bill while maintaining Republican unity, avoiding direct involvement or blame.
Steve Bannon Critiques Trump's Tax Focus
- Steve Bannon criticizes Trump's focus on tax cuts for the wealthy over protecting Medicaid for the working poor.
- Bannon advocates for taxing the extreme wealthy to maintain services for the true MAGA base.