Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jimmy Kimmel fires latest political salvo: 'I guarantee Trump doesn’t know anything about healthcare bill'

'The guy you voted for President - his job qualification? He fired Meatloaf'

Christopher Hooton
Friday 22 September 2017 08:30 BST
Comments
Donald Trump doesn't know difference between Melania and Ivanka, says Jimmy Kimmel

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jimmy Kimmel, unexpected guardian of healthcare, has issued his latest monologue on the Cassidy-Graham bill, attacking President Trump and the Republican party for the third night straight.

The talk show host ignited an argument with one of the bill's creators, Louisiana senator Bill Cassidy, earlier in the week, but on Thursday night channelled his disbelief largely at the president.

"For Donald Trump, this isn’t about the Graham-Cassidy bill, it’s about getting rid of Obamacare, which he hates — primarily because Obama’s name is on it," Kimmel said.

"He likes to have his name on things, buildings, boxes. And, at this point, he’d sign anything if it meant getting rid of Obamacare. He’d sign copies of the Qur’an at the Barnes & Nobel in Fallujah if it meant he could get rid of Obamacare."

Many have speculated that Trump doesn't particular care about healthcare legislation but is simply looking for a win in Congress, and Kimmel echoed this.

"I guarantee [Trump] doesn’t know anything about this Graham-Cassidy bill," he declared. "He doesn’t know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. He barely knows the difference between Melania and Ivanka!"

After Kimmel's initial healthcare comments made headlines, some questioned his political acumen - something the host addressed head-on Thursday night.

"I see these comments from these angry people, that say 'what qualifies you to talk about this stuff, you’re a comedian — go back to being not funny.'"

"And I feel like it’s my duty to remind these people who are so concerned about my qualifications — the guy you voted for President — his job qualification? Was this! He fired Meatloaf. And you put him in the White House."

Bill Cassidy and Lindsey Graham's attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act is still trying to consolidate votes, with senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, John McCain and Rand Paul believed to be on the fence.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in