How Medicare for All Could Sway Voters in 2020

Congressman Ro Khanna

I’ve been keeping a close watch on Democrats’ strategic initiatives as the November midterms and the 2020 presidential election unfold. It’s becoming clear that Democrats want to make health care — specifically, Medicare for All — the defining issue.

California Sen. Kamala Harris, increasingly seen as a 2020 presidential candidate, is in. So are San Jose Reps. Ro Khanna and Zoe Lofgren, both key players in bringing the tech industry on board. Khanna and Lofgren were part of a group of 70 House Democrats who announced Thursday the formation of the House Medicare for All Caucus that is designed to raise the profile of the fight for health care reform in Congress and voters across the nation.

I’ve studied and written extensively about health care issues for the better part of the past two decades. Here’s some unsolicited advice for Democrats moving in this direction: Sen. Bernie Sanders, a longtime advocate, keeps focusing on the progressive, moral argument for Medicare for All. But in order to be a difference maker for voters, Democrats need to make a compelling economic argument, as well, one that will resonate with the business community as well as their employees.