White House Allies Downplay Delay of ObamaCare Employer Mandate

Opponents ask whether the delay is even legal

White House allies on Wednesday downplayed the Obama administration's decision to delay a key part of the healthcare law as Republicans questioned whether the move was legal.

Former adviser David Axelrod argued history would judge President Obama's signature legislative achievement kindly, while House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) offered the White House cover from the left by echoing administration arguments that the delay would give employers more time to get ready for the law.

Reverberations from Tuesday's surprise decision were also felt as a trade group representing hospitals argued for other provisions of the laws to be delayed.