Obama declares Supreme Court ruling victory for nation, Romney promises annulment if elected

Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the health care law championed by U.S. President Barack Obama was received by mixed emotions. While the Democrats celebrated Americans’ access to insurance, hundreds of Republicans hit the streets to rally against what they call a dangerous expansion of the government.

On Thursday, Chief justice John G. Roberts Jr. said in a written statement, on behalf of the majority opinion, that the Affordable Care Act could reasonably be characterized as tax since it financially penalizes individuals for not obtaining health insurance. “Because the Constitution permits such a tax, it is not our role to forbid it or to pass upon its wisdom or fairness,” he said.

Following the narrow 5-4 ruling of the Supreme Court, Obama declared the decision a victory, not just his, but of all Americans. "I know there will be a lot of discussion today about the politics of all this, about who won and who lost," Obama said in remarks at the White House, in which he emphasized many of the law's benefits. "That discussion completely misses the point. Whatever the politics, today's decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives are more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold it."

But for the presumptive GOP nominee, Mitt Romney, the decision revolves entirely around the battle to win the November election, as he vows to repeal the law if he wins his bid to the White House. “This is now a time for the American people to make a choice,” Romney said. “Our mission is clear – if we want to get rid of Obamacare, we are going to have to replace President Obama,” he said calling the Court’s decision, both a bad law and a bad policy.

His campaign aides boasted to have raised $3.2 million in donations just after the ruling was passed down. The House Republicans have already set July 11 to vote for repealing the law. Similar efforts in the past have failed miserably, since 60 percent votes are required to advance legislation.

Obama, however, insists that there is no need to drag the matter any further, since the highest court in America has now spoken on the matter. He said Americas cannot afford to re-fight a two-year-old political battle or simply go back to where they started.