To Respond To Health Reform Myths, Let’s Start ‘A Chain Email Of Our Own,’ Axelrod Says
An email from a top presidential advisor and a new television ad campaign represent increased efforts to counter "misrepresentations" on health care reform.
The Washington Post reports: "The White House and its allies stepped up efforts Thursday to counter 'myths' about health-care reform amid signs that angry confrontations over the issue between critics and Democratic lawmakers are having some impact on Americans' perceptions." David Axelrod, a senior advisor to President Obama, sent an e-mail -- also posted on the White House Web site -- to supporters Thursday morning charging "that critics of the administration's health-care proposals are spreading 'all sorts of lies and distortions' through 'viral e-mails' that are flying around unchecked. He urged supporters to help start 'a chain e-mail of our own' to rebut what Obama has called 'these wild misrepresentations.'" Axelrod's e-mail also offered a list of eight ways "reform provides security and stability to people with or without health insurance coverage." It also offers eight reform myths and eight reasons action"is needed 'now.'"
The Post article also noted that a coalition of groups backing Obama's overhaul efforts launched a $12 million TV ad campaign Thursday to reinforce reform messages for conservative Democratic House members or senators who represent districts with conservative constituents. "The coalition distributing the ads, called Americans for Stable Quality Care, is funded largely by the pharmaceutical industry and includes the American Medical Association, FamiliesUSA and the Federation of American Hospitals, as well as Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the lobby known as PhRMA, and the Service Employees International Union, Politico said" (Branigin, 8/13).
Meanwhile, the New York Times' health care blog Prescriptions detailed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's new ad, "Balloons." The Chamber "has taken to the airwaves, already cluttered with health care ads, with the goal of defeating the idea of a government-run health insurance option." Though offering no exact amount, Chamber officials said they are spending "multimillions of dollars," making this ad buy one of the biggest by a single group so far in the health care debate" (Seelye, 8/13).