Obama and Pence in healthcare showdown

President Barack Obama is due to meet fellow Democrats in Congress to discuss how to protect the healthcare reforms he instituted, often called Obamacare. The visit comes as vice president-elect Mike Pence also visits Congress to plan his party’s strategy to “repeal and replace” the law. President-elect Donald Trump criticised the law during his campaign, […]

President Barack Obama is due to meet fellow Democrats in Congress to discuss how to protect the healthcare reforms he instituted, often called Obamacare.

The visit comes as vice president-elect Mike Pence also visits Congress to plan his party’s strategy to “repeal and replace” the law. President-elect Donald Trump criticised the law during his campaign, but later vowed to protect some elements.

He tweeted on Wednesday that Democrats “own the failed ObamaCare disaster”.

In a string of tweets Mr Trump also attacked the “poor coverage” and the rate increases that even some Democrats have criticised in recent months.

He cautioned Republicans to not to be seen as taking responsibility for the law, which he said “will fall of its own weight – be careful!”

White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters that during his meetings Mr Obama would urge Democrats to “tell the story of their constituents who benefit” from the Affordable Care Act – the formal name for the US president’s signature legislation.