Sherrod Brown: ‘Terrible mistake’ for Democratic nominee to support ‘Medicare for All’

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) took a shot at progressive Democratic presidential candidates Tuesday, telling CNN that it would be a “terrible mistake” if the Democratic nominee supported “Medicare for All.”

Brown is not historically opposed to Medicare for All as an aspiration, but in the past he has said he would rather focus on what’s practical and can help people in the short term. He wants candidates to focus on improving ObamaCare, rather than promoting an idea that could turn off moderate voters.

{mosads} Brown’s comments come ahead of the Democratic debate Tuesday night in his home state, where health care is expected to be a major focus, and candidates will likely face questions about their support for Medicare for All. 

The policy has been a source of contention among Democrats running for president. While Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) support the plan, former Vice President Joe Biden and other moderates oppose it, arguing it would eliminate choice for Americans who prefer private health insurance. 

Brown is a self-proclaimed progressive, and earlier this year sparked speculation about a possible White House run. 

He has called for expanding Medicare to people 50 years and older, and is also one of the primary sponsors of “Medicare at 55” legislation in the Senate, a moderate alternative to Medicare for all that was pushed by Hillary Clinton when she ran for president in 2016.  

Former President Bill Clinton also proposed expanding Medicare in 1998 by allowing certain workers between the ages of 55 and 65 to buy the service.  

Brown also helped write the “public option” into ObamaCare, but the provision was removed before the law was passed.