It occurs to me there is a very simple way to explore whether GOP is obstructionist.
IIRC, some other SDMB conservatives like Sam Stone and John Mace(*) are also on record as preferring a public option or even single-payer to the present Obamacare. ***Assuming these conservatives are sincere and reflect the thoughts of some GOP Congresspeople, it should have been possible to enact a better health-care system. *** As I pointed out in the thread from which the above quote is taken, a public option (with market or even above-market pricing) would have reduced the need for regulations on private insurers.
So: Was there any sincere effort by Congressional GOP to say “Work with us, design a public option both sides can support; let’s design a great system!” ?
My impression was that GOP instead took the path “Our only priority is for you to fail. With zero GOP votes, you’ll need votes from the stupidest Democrats to get a bill passed. Ha ha ha! Let’s see how bad a bill you can make.”
What does the record show?