Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now

Podcast: why Obamacare enrollees voted for Trump

Kathy Oller signs up Debbie Mills, 53, for coverage
Kathy Oller signs up Debbie Mills, 53, for coverage
Kathy Oller signs up Debbie Mills, 53, for coverage
Byrd Pinkerton/Vox
Byrd Pinkerton is a host and senior correspondent on Unexplainable, Vox’s science podcast. She covers everything scientists don’t yet know but are trying to figure out, so her work explores everything from the inner workings of the human body to the distant edges of the universe.

Why would people vote for a presidential candidate who campaigned on taking away their health insurance?

That’s the question Sarah Kliff and I were trying to answer when we went to Corbin, Kentucky, last winter. It’s a small city in southeastern Kentucky, an area of the country that has seen huge declines in its uninsured rate — but also voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump.

In this bonus episode of The Weeds, we’re leaving the podcast studio to bring you the voices of the people we met in Corbin.

You’ll meet two Obamacare enrollees with very different takes on the Affordable Care Act, and an ACA enrollment worker who voted for Barack Obama twice before voting for Trump last November.

In December, Sarah wrote a story about our trip. We posted transcripts of the conversations we had. But in this podcast, you’ll get the chance to hear these Kentuckians speak for themselves.

More in Podcasts

Podcasts
The Supreme Court abortion pills case, explainedThe Supreme Court abortion pills case, explained
Podcast
Podcasts

How Louisiana brought mifepristone back to SCOTUS.

By Peter Balonon-Rosen and Sean Rameswaram
Podcasts
Don’t freak out about hantavirusDon’t freak out about hantavirus
Podcast
Podcasts

An infectious disease researcher explains what’s going on — and why this isn’t the outbreak to worry about.

By Miranda Kennedy and Noel King
Podcasts
Are humanoid robots all hype?Are humanoid robots all hype?
Podcast
Podcasts

AI is making them better — but they’re not going to be doing your chores anytime soon.

By Avishay Artsy and Sean Rameswaram
Explain It to Me
Is your makeup making you sick?Is your makeup making you sick?
Podcast
Explain It to Me

How to find cosmetics that are better for you, explained.

By Jonquilyn Hill
America, Actually
The progressive plan to reclaim the working classThe progressive plan to reclaim the working class
Podcast
America, Actually

Progressive caucus chair Rep. Greg Casar on his movement’s new playbook.

By Astead Herndon
Podcasts
Did Trump actually help Venezuela?Did Trump actually help Venezuela?
Podcast
Podcasts

Post-Maduro, some Venezuelans are feeling cautiously optimistic.

By Ariana Aspuru and Sean Rameswaram