It would be good for Democrats to get on board with a bipartisan solution on Obamacare, but at the end of the day, it's time for the Republican Party to start governing, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said Sunday.
"Obamacare as we know is imploding and it is exploding, and every other adjective you can provide," Priebus told "Fox News Sunday" anchor Chris Wallace.
"I think that Democrats can come to the table as well."
On Friday, after the American Health Care Act was pulled at the last minute from a full House vote, President Donald Trump said the measure had no Democratic votes, and "they weren't going to give us a single vote."
Priebus on Sunday said that just after Trump made that comment, he also said it could be time to start seeking support from moderate Democrats.
"The president has also said that when Obamacare does ultimately explode, which it will, we are going to be prepared to lead again and if Democrats come on board with a plan down the road, we will welcome that," said Priebus.
Trump early Sunday morning tweeted a complaint that the House Freedom Caucus, along with the Club for Growth and the Heritage Foundation, had helped to save Planned Parenthood and Obamacare by blocking the AHCA:
Priebus said he thought Trump "hit the bull's-eye" with his tweet, "as he normally does."
And, he continued, it's time for Republicans to come together, and to get a few moderate Democrats on board as well.
There will be funding issues coming up soon in regard to Obamacare, Priebus said he believes, and he does not think Trump is closing the doors on the matter.
Also on Sunday, Priebus denied that Trump wants House Speaker Paul Ryan to resign, despite his tweet urging followed to watch the Fox News "Justice with Judge Janine" program, where show anchor Jeanine Pirro opened with a demand that Ryan quit.
Trump just wanted followers to watch Pirro's show, as he was "helping out a friend," said Priebus, and he does not blame Ryan for the AHCA's loss.
"He thought Paul Ryan worked really hard, enjoys his relationship with Paul Ryan, thinks that Paul Ryan is a great Speaker of the House," said Priebus. "None of that has changed."
Priebus also denied that he himself is in trouble with Trump, as they have a "great relationship."
Moving forward, Priebus said he believes some Democrats will come on board for Trump's next agenda item, tax reform.
"We can provide one of the biggest middle class tax cuts in the history of this country, that's important," he said.
Priebus also addressed the ongoing controversy over surveillance activities at Trump Tower , saying the fact is, people on the president's transition team were subject to some sort of surveillance.
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Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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