See below for audio of 2025 VA Lt. Governor candidate John Reid responding the other day to questions about Medicaid cuts, potential closures of rural hospitals, etc. Here’s a transcript of his exchange with a voter. Also, as you read the transcript and watch the video, here’s an article from CNN which helps refute some of what Reid is saying (e.g., the “scare tactics” argument). Also, see Augusta Medical Group to consolidate clinics, partly in response to ‘Big Beautiful Bill’, How Will the 2025 Reconciliation Law Affect the Uninsured Rate in Each State?, Update to the Health Insurance Reform Commission on
Enhanced Premium Tax Credit, Senators Mark Warner, Tim Kaine Decry GOP Plan’s Devastating Impact on Rural Virginian Communities: “We refuse to stand by while Republicans gamble with Virginians’ lives.” , etc. Also, recall that John Reid said back in July that potentially 100s of 1000s of Virginians losing health care coverage is “not my immediate problem.” Is this somebody you’d want as your Lt. Governor???
P.S. For more background on Reid, who was a far-right/MAGA radio host for years, also see “Covid tyranny,” “Social Justice’ is about modern racial revenge”; “mental insanity of trans ideology”; “guns save lives”; virulently anti-abortion; etc: Meet the Latest VA GOP Lt. Gov. Candidate
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Voter: “One thing that like I’m concerned about is hospitals and Medicaid funds. So, Winsome Sears wants to use emergency funding for Medicaid. Do you think that’s a good idea?”
John Reid: “If needed. But see, I’ve talked to Kiggans, Congresswoman Kiggans. I’ve talked to Rob Wittman. I talked to Morgan Griffith the other day. I talked to Ben Cline….the Republican congressional delegation is very certain that this number is bogus. The 322,000 people losing Medicaid is a bogus number.”
Voter: “But what about funding for hospitals? Cuz I mean, clinics and hospitals are already closing or about to in Virginia.”
John Reid: “I think that money is going to be in the pipeline from the Republicans. Everyone understands that if you are 2 1/2 hours away from MCV or VCU here, we can’t afford to have those. I was in Farmville the other day. They’re very worried and I am assured that that is one of the priorities is to make sure that that funding is kept to a place where those hospitals can stay open.”
Voter: “Cuz I mean I was reading that some clinics have closed already in rural areas and some hospitals are weeks away from closing.”
John Reid: “I don’t think that’s true. I don’t think that’s true. I think that’s hype. I really do think that’s people politically trying to scare folks….I hope I’m right… I hope the Congress… is going to be responsible about that.”
Voter: “Because I was thinking that is something emergency funding. I mean it’s like sounds like an emergency to me. You know that Winsome is right about that.”
John Reid: “Once they close and they go away….they’re gone…It is out of my purview immediately, but I have been asking questions trying to figure it out…And it’s certainly a priority of mine. I mean, I get it. If you’re in Farmville, my father grew up in Emporia. If you’re that far away from a city and this is the regional hub where you can get treatment for a heart attack or getting run over by a tractor or whatever your issue, get hit in a car crash, you need that open.”
UPDATE 7:10 pm
Meanwhile, here’s what Reid’s running mate has to say: That’s right, Winsome Earle-Sears flat-out LIES that “no one is going to lose their Medicaid.” Seriously, does she ever tell the truth on ANYTHING? Just a pathological liar like Trump and Youngkin…and Reid.
