Given the level of worry in America about health care, among businesses as well as consumers, the Republicans will have to do more to discredit it than just resurrect taunts about "Nanny Hillary".
However, Li Zhangming, who coached the Shanghai-reared Yao when he was at sports school, dismisses the doubts about the state system and says the "next Yao" has already been found.
If you are the inevitable candidate, operatives clamour to be on your team, fund-raisers stuff your coffers with gold and waverers swallow their doubts.
He stands at the door holding the greasy bag while I wonder if this is the night I'll finish off my spring roll, climb into bed, and have a heart attack in my sleep.