NY21: Cobb shifts positions on Trump, Medicare
Tedra Cobb held two campaign events in the North Country yesterday. The Democrat running to represent New York’s 21st Congressional district was...
Feb 05, 2020 — Tedra Cobb held two campaign events in the North Country yesterday. The Democrat running to represent New York’s 21st Congressional district was in Glens Falls and Plattsburgh on Tuesday.
About fifty people crammed into the Koffee Kat, a bright cafe in downtown Plattsburgh, Tuesday night. Cobb kicked off the event with an introduction, talking about her time as a volunteer firefighter and her years as a St. Lawrence County legislator.
Cobb then took questions from the crowd. People wanted to know how much money her campaign has raised, what she would do for veterans, and where she stands on health care.
During her first campaign in 2018, Cobb said she supported Medicare for all, a government option that would replace most private insurance.
But during this campaign and in Plattsburgh Tuesday night, Cobb has come out against that approach. Cobb now says she supports a “public option” for people who want to buy into Medicare, but she also wants people to be able to keep private coverage if they choose.
Cobb said doctors she’s talked to are not united on the issue.
“Many [doctors] really like Medicare and they like the idea of a Medicare public option," Cobb said. "Some want Medicare for all, but there’s not a unanimous path forward.”
After Tuesday's event, Cobb was asked by a reporter about the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump. Cobb came out in favor of the House impeachment vote in December, but now has a different answer about the the Senate trial.
“Do I support his removal from office? No, I don’t support his removal from office.”
In a statement to NCPR, Cobb clarified her stance. "I supported sending articles of impeachment to the Senate. However, the Senate failed to conduct a proper trial that included witnesses," Cobb said in the statement.
"While I am incredibly disturbed by the behavior of the President, I could not support removal without a fair trial."
The Senate’s Republican majority is expected to acquit the President. The final vote is scheduled for Wednesday at 4 p.m.
