'Who will tell him?' Senate GOP leader slammed for comment about low-income Americans
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is facing criticism for dismissing concerns about Medicaid cuts by saying, "The best health care is a job."
In an interview with Kota Territory last week, Thune said, “There are certain policies that generate growth in the economy. And that ultimately is what you want. A rising tide lifts all the boats."
He continued: "And, you know the best for people looking for healthcare, the best healthcare is a job. And you know a lot of times healthcare comes with a job and so creating those better paying jobs that come with benefits is ultimately the goal here."
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A clip of Thune's remarks went viral on social media, drawing criticism from journalists and observers.
"I assume he’s never had a job that comes without insurance coverage. Living in a different world than millions of Americans," wrote Andrea Ducas, Vice President of Health Policy at Center for American Progress in a post on the social platform X.
Kaiser Family Foundation reporter Julie Rovner wrote: "Who will tell him how many jobs STILL don't come with health insurance?"
Democratic strategist Jackson Peel said: “'Get a job, Grandma! Back to work, pregnant woman! Stop being lazy and earn a living, young child!' - Republicans, apparently."
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"More and more jobs do not offer healthcare, particularly contract jobs. Many jobs offer low quality healthcare coverage. If these folks had what we have, they would not be so confident about how things work for others," wrote a user.
"And the rest of us just need to DIE," tweeted another user, referencing Sen. Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) comment at a town hall last week that “we are all going to die."
Another X user wrote: "Okay. I'll let my medically fragile son with special needs know he needs to get one."
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