Is the Affordable Care Act working?

If you ask a Democrat, the answer would probably be something like this: "Yes, for the most part. Sure, the Web site is a disaster, but they'll get the kinks worked out. Ultimately, though, coverage will be extended to everyone and we'll all be a lot better off than before."

If you ask a Republican, the answer would probably be something like this: "It's the worst thing that's happened to this country since the Fugitive Slave Act!"

So it depends on whom you ask.

But I'm pretty sure that it won't depend on when you ask. In other words, pick any time in the future: six months, a year, five years or ten years, and I bet you'll get the same answers as above. Supporters of the law will always like it and detractors will always hate it. And they'll have their own facts to support their arguments:

"It's saved the U. S. money." "It's adding to the deficit!"

"Most premiums went down." "Most premiums went up!"

"More people have access to coverage." "Fewer people have access to coverage!"

"The quality of health care in this country has improved." "The quality of health care in this country has declined!"

"On balance, the Affordable Care Act has been a success." "Obamacare is the worst thing that ever happened to this country!"

If there's one thing you can count on, it's that the two sides will never stop arguing about the ACA. Never.