As conservative Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and others attempt to build support for a plan to defund Obamacare in this fall's forthcoming budget battles, they have faced criticism from fellow conservatives on two grounds: first, it will be difficult to convince enough Democrats to agree; second, there is little that can be done to stop a program already in motion.
(Criticism from the left objects to the attempt to "sabotage" the program, forgetting some Democrats' efforts to defund the Iraq War, with troops in the field.)
The critics overlook the strongest case for attempting to defund Obamacare: namely, that doing so is an urgent political necessity to save a party rapidly losing touch with its voter base.
Conservatives--and, in fact, Americans in general--are eager for an effective opposition party. Among the many different explanations for why Mitt Romney lost in 2012--changing demographics, Tea Party suppression, the "47 percent" remark--the fact remains that he was the candidate least qualified to take on the policy most objectionable to voters.
Obamcare remains deeply unpopular, not just among Republicans: now even unions are complaining. Up to now, the public has seen one interest group after another line up for special waivers and exemptions, but no effort to unite the opposition in common cause against the law itself. Instead, Americans--and conservatives in particular--have watched as one Republican governor after another (with a few noteworthy exceptions) elected in 2009-20 with Tea Party support, has lined up to accept Obamacare's expanded Medicaid funds.
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