Meghan McCain’s Critique of Kamala Harris Could Backfire: Reviving Memories of John McCain’s ACA Vote and Trump’s Insults

Meghan McCain's Critique of Kamala

By Tony Bruce | Monday, October 14, 2024 | 6 min read

Meghan McCain recently made headlines when she criticized Vice President Kamala Harris over her remarks about the late Senator John McCain. However, what was intended as a defense of her father’s legacy may inadvertently help Harris, by rekindling public memory of two significant events: John McCain’s dramatic vote against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and former President Donald Trump’s repeated disparagement of the Arizona senator.

The controversy began when Meghan McCain took issue with Harris for referencing her father’s legacy in the context of a political discussion. McCain expressed displeasure, stating that Harris and Democrats should not use her father’s name for political gain. But by raising the issue, Meghan may have unintentionally directed attention to moments that don’t necessarily serve her intended purpose. This is especially true because public reactions to her father’s actions and Trump’s treatment of him are widely available in video clips and news coverage.

One of John McCain’s most memorable and impactful actions in the Senate was his “thumbs down” vote in 2017 against repealing the ACA. At that time, the Trump administration and Republican leaders were pushing hard to dismantle the healthcare law, but McCain, in a dramatic late-night appearance on the Senate floor, delivered a decisive “no” vote that saved the ACA from being repealed.

John McCain’s iconic “thumbs down” vote against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is one of the most memorable moments in recent Senate history. The vote, which took place in July 2017, was seen by many as a principled stand that transcended party lines. It prevented the dismantling of a healthcare law that millions of Americans relied on for coverage. Supporters hailed McCain’s action as a courageous decision that upheld the values of putting the country’s needs above partisan interests.

However, not everyone saw it that way. The vote drew significant backlash from conservative factions who were eager to see the ACA repealed and replaced with a more market-driven healthcare system. These critics viewed McCain’s vote as a betrayal of Republican efforts to deliver on a long-standing promise to repeal “Obamacare.” For this reason, Meghan McCain’s recent critique of Kamala Harris has inadvertently reopened a debate that may not benefit her side of the argument.

By raising the issue of her father’s legacy in connection with the ACA, Meghan McCain has unwittingly directed attention back to that dramatic night in the Senate chamber, when John McCain famously turned his thumb downward. Since she made her comments, over 90,000 people have revisited the video of the vote. For those who support the ACA and view it as an essential safeguard for healthcare access, revisiting this episode serves as a reminder of John McCain’s pivotal role in defending the law. It also reinforces the perception of him as a maverick willing to defy his own party to protect the interests of everyday Americans.

The resurgence of interest in McCain’s “thumbs down” vote may do more than just stir nostalgia. It brings renewed appreciation for the late senator’s legacy, particularly among those who value the protections afforded by the ACA. Meghan McCain’s attempt to criticize Harris may have unintentionally enhanced her father’s image as a defender of healthcare, rather than diminishing Harris’s standing. In this sense, revisiting the video has only served to strengthen John McCain’s legacy as a champion for healthcare access.

Adding another layer to this situation is the stark contrast between Kamala Harris’s reference to John McCain and former President Donald Trump’s history of making derogatory remarks about the late senator. Throughout Trump’s political career, he often insulted McCain, beginning in 2015 when he said, “He’s not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.” The insults did not stop there; Trump continued to criticize McCain for years, even after his death in 2018.

Meghan McCain’s recent critique could inadvertently drive more people to search for information on the relationship between Trump and her father, leading them to rediscover the numerous instances of Trump’s disparagement. This contrasts with Harris’s respectful reference, potentially backfiring on Meghan by reminding the public of the very personal and public feud between Trump and the McCain family.

In an ironic twist, Meghan McCain’s attempt to call out Kamala Harris may end up benefiting the vice president. The attention could work in Harris’s favor, as it reminds voters of John McCain’s legacy in a way that aligns more closely with Democratic values, such as the defense of the ACA. Harris’s remarks, which could be seen as a gesture of respect toward McCain’s maverick reputation, now stand in stark contrast to Trump’s repeated and well-documented insults.

Furthermore, revisiting McCain’s opposition to the repeal of the ACA could also highlight an ongoing issue that continues to resonate with many voters: the need for accessible and affordable healthcare. This focus could help Harris bolster support among those who view the ACA as a critical lifeline and associate McCain’s pivotal vote with safeguarding their healthcare rights.

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Meghan McCain may have underestimated the broader implications of reviving this discussion. By attempting to frame Harris’s remarks as politically opportunistic, she has instead opened the door for a more nuanced conversation about her father’s legacy. The debate surrounding McCain’s vote on the ACA and his contentious relationship with Trump could prompt some to view Harris’s comments in a more favorable light, especially when compared to the former president’s history of attacking the late senator.

Rather than damaging Harris’s credibility, Meghan McCain’s critique may ultimately direct the public’s attention to her father’s most celebrated act of defiance against Trump’s administration, reminding people of the late senator’s principled stance. It also serves as a stark reminder of Trump’s inability to show respect toward a war hero and longtime public servant.

While Meghan McCain intended to defend her father’s legacy by criticizing Kamala Harris, the move could backfire by reigniting debates about John McCain’s defining moments and his contentious relationship with Donald Trump. The unintended consequence may be a wave of renewed appreciation for McCain’s stance on healthcare and a reminder of Trump’s continued disrespect for him. As a result, Harris may emerge from this controversy with more, rather than less, public support, and Meghan McCain may find that her critique has unintentionally helped elevate the very person she sought to undermine.

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