WASHINGTON. - In a public address on Thursday, President Obama called the Supreme Court decision to up-hold the Affordable Health Care Law a victory, "whatever the politics, today's decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold it."
In the speech, Obama reiterated the popular aspects of the act: The ACA stipulates that insurance companies cannot impose life-time limitations, nor can it deny children insurance for preexisting conditions. The law restricts the insurance companies from jacking up premium prices and also allows young adults under the age of 26 to remain on their parents' insurance plans. The law requires insurance companies to provide free preventive treatment, commonsense protection and discounts on prescription drugs for seniors.
The president talked about the vastly unpopular individual mandate without directly mentioning it by name, but instead eluding to it by stating that "people who can afford healthcare should take the responsibility to do so."
Although, President Obama appeared restrained and calm, not exuding any sentiment of joy or victory, his words conveyed a sense of relief and pride. "It should be pretty clear that I didn't do this for good politics but because I believed it was good for the country," as reported on Fox News.
The president has lately faced a number of criticisms for his international drone policies, the Fast & Furious scandal, rumored security leaks and other glitches have only created fodder for the Republican 2012 Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. It is no doubt the healthcare issue will central in the G.O.P. 2012 presidential campaign, never the less the support from the Supreme Court provides a huge boosts the Obama campaign.
The entire address can be seen here.
