During any Washington press briefing — after the political figure delivers his or her canned opening statement — that moment of truth arrives during an aggressive reporter Q and A session when success or failure becomes apparent.
HHS Secretary Tom Price made his first trip to the White House podium today to help detail the unfolding House plan to unwind and replace Obamacare — and he didn’t just succeed, he aced the performance.
Not only did Price, a doctor, have a command of all the big picture structural facts and end-goal objectives, he had a clear message: “It’s all about the patients.”
After about the tenth time Price reiterated his “it’s all about the patients” message, the notoriously volatile White House press corps sensed the hunt was over, and that Price had won. The former Georgia lawmaker was calm, deliberate, had a commanding podium presence, and projected an air of credibility and competence — two attributes in short supply recently at the White House
No doubt, the President was watching his HHS Secretary — and he was surely impressed.
In nimble fashion, Price wouldn’t commit the Trump administration to supporting everything in the GOP’s health care reform bill, calling it a “work in progress.”
“This is a work in progress and we’ll work with the House and the Senate,” Price said. “As you know, it’s a legislative process that occurs.”
After today’s appearance, it’s clear Price needs to be the prime repeal and replace salesperson — not just with the media, but with skeptical Hill Republicans who, for the time being, are holding Speaker Paul Ryan’s feet to the fire.