The Daily Punch The Readback: How OBBB is playing in the swing states
Aug 23, 2025
Andrew Desiderio, a senior congressional reporter known for his insightful analysis, shares his recent travels in key swing states like Arizona and Nevada. He delves into the Democrats' campaign strategies focusing on Medicaid cuts and their local impacts. Desiderio highlights crucial political shifts in Arizona, with efforts to oust Republican House members, and explores the fierce Democratic primary dynamics in Michigan. The conversation also includes amusing anecdotes from campaign trails and their culinary experiences.
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Healthcare Is Central To Democratic 2026 Pitch
- Democrats are centering 2026 messaging on healthcare by emphasizing impending Medicaid cuts from the Senate bill.
- They argue hospitals must prepare now because implementation delays won't prevent early impacts on providers.
Senators Held Hospital Roundtables
- Mark Kelly and Jackie Rosen held Medicaid roundtables at major hospitals in Phoenix and Las Vegas to spotlight local impact.
- Local officials and hospital leaders described how the Senate bill would affect providers in their communities.
Timing Of Cuts Creates Political Problem
- Republicans delayed Medicaid cuts until after the 2026 election while front-loading tax perks, creating a political messaging challenge.
- Democrats aim to reframe that timing by showing hospitals will feel effects earlier through preparatory measures.