Obama Refocuses Health Care Message, Pushing for Bigger Picture

Strategic Insights -

President Obama has recast his health care message, shifting focus from perceived sweetheart deals to the overall benefits of his bill, such as better Medicare coverage for seniors and insurance guarantees regardless of pre-existing conditions. This public relations offensive has revitalized Democrats' last-ditch effort to pass the legislation by next week. Obama's message has centered on taking control of the debate, combining competing bills, and incorporating Republican ideas. This has led to a renewed emphasis on the need for courage and leadership in passing the bill.

Key Takeaways:

  • Obama has taken control of the health care debate, combining competing bills and incorporating Republican ideas to create a grand compromise dubbed bipartisan.
  • The president's public relations offensive has focused on highlighting benefits such as better Medicare coverage for seniors and insurance guarantees regardless of pre-existing conditions.
  • Obama's message has emphasized the need for courage and leadership in passing the bill, appealing directly to the American people.
  • House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reaffirmed that Democrats will have the 216 votes required to pass the bill, despite concerns over federal funding of abortion, Medicaid funding, and Medicare reimbursement rates.
  • The American people want to see Washington work for their interests, and Obama is making a personal appeal based on this, using the story of a cancer survivor, Natoma Canfield, to illustrate the urgency of the issue.
  • Republicans argue that Canfield would have to wait until 2014 for help under the president's plan, whereas their own proposal would give her immediate access to a state high-risk pool.
  • The president's plan would raise premiums by up to 13 percent, whereas House Republicans' reforms would lower costs in the individual market by up to 10 percent.

Statistics:

  • 30 million more Americans would gain health insurance coverage under the Obama health care plan.
  • The plan would provide better Medicare prescription-drug coverage for seniors.