FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
If the Supreme Court rules the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional this summer, it would be a huge embarrassment for President Barack Obama.
Health care reform has been the president's signature issue. He spent his first two years in office - and a whole lot of political capital - getting this thing through Congress.
And now - two years later - the health care law's not looking so healthy.
CNN's Jeffrey Toobin says he thinks the law will be struck down, describing the Supreme Court hearings as a "train wreck" for the Obama administration.
Some would argue it's been a train wreck from the start. Remember Congress crafted this 2,700-page monstrosity behind closed doors. No transparency for the public but plenty of access for the lobbyists. Few lawmakers even read it. Then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Democrats, "We have to pass the bill so that you can find what's in it." Real statesmanship.
Not everyone agrees that a Supreme Court rejection would hurt the president politically.
CNN's James Carville says it would be "the best thing that has ever happened to the Democratic Party." Carville says Democrats would be able to show they tried, and when health care costs keep rising, they could lay the blame on the GOP's shoulders.
Some say if the Supreme Court rules against it, Republicans will lose a top election issue - the repeal of what they call “Obamacare.”
Others suggest the health care law won't be a major election issue if Mitt Romney is the GOP nominee because he created similar legislation when he was governor of Massachusetts.
Here’s my question to you: How will the Supreme Court decision on Obamacare affect the president's chances for re-election?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Ed in Philadelphia:
I believe it will hurt because as his comments to Medvedev have shown, a second term will be a free-for-all. We also know that he will start over and this time the bill will be even more transformative. People will not want to have this fight again.
J.:
Let the court throw it out. Then run a few stories about how people who can and want to buy insurance are denied coverage, then go broke and/or die because of it. Run a few more stories about people who can buy insurance but did not, then end up in the ER and have the taxpayer and/or insured pay for their care. This should go over well with voters.
Richard:
People will not vote for or against Obama based on this Supreme Court decision. It's the economy, stupid, all over again. If people PERCEIVE that their lives are better or getting better, then Obama wins. If they perceive that their lives are worse or getting worse, then Obama could lose.....Killing of Bin Laden means more to the everyday Joe than Obamacare...
Gary in Arizona:
If we were to liken it to a game of chess, it would be similar to him losing his Queen since it's the most impressive piece in his game. For those unfamiliar with chess, it would be the same as his horse throwing a shoe coming out of the gate at the racetrack. And for those unfamiliar with horse racing, it would simply be a political setback of serious proportions.
Mike:
Against Mr. Romneycare, the Supreme Court decision will make no difference in President Obama's re-election. None.
Matt:
Jack, Probably the same as if gas prices remain high, people are unemployed, the Afghan war continues to go badly, and on and on and on....he may be toast.