Healthcare Before the Supreme Court: Recall the Certainty of Richard Blumenthal.

Why should supporters of the 2010 federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act worry about being knocked about at arguments before the Supreme Court today? As Attorney General, Senator Richard Blumenthal declared in June 18, 2010  press release that a court challenge to the Act “would have virtually no chance of success….” How could the famous fantasist get it wrong?

With customary disregard for opposing points of view, the Blumenthal press release continued, “The thrust of these pending legal challenges by other state attorneys general is that the Act–particularly the individual mandate to purchase health insurance–exceeds congressional power. Under clear and longstanding principles of constitutional law set forth by the United State Supreme Court, Blumenthal said the Act falls well within Congress’ power and is therefore constitutional. Such confidence in the unlimited power of government. Sounds like a majority of the Supreme Court failed to read the Blumenthal pronouncement. Perhaps he should have held  a press conference in his seat at Monday’s argument to let the justices know they were wasting their time on a meritless claim. The seat in the courtroom was provided to him by Senator Patrick Leahy, for whom Blumenthal appeared at a $5,000 a ticket fundraiser last week.