The White House is deploying an array of tactics to promote ObamaCare.
Here's the list to date.
1. Warn about the cost of inaction. Or the, "Sure it's expensive, but just think of how much it'll cost if we don't do anything!" argument. It's a false dichotomy. Many of those who oppose Obamacare believe healthcare reform is in order - just not the nationalized medicine approach proposed by Obama and the Democrats.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/16/obama-warns-of-a-health-care-cost-of-inaction/?source=newsletter_must-read-stories-today_headlines
2. Use Grandma to build empathy through association. Or the "I wouldn't deny healthcare to the elderly for I once had a sick grandma, too" argument.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/16/obama-invokes-death-of-his-grandmother/?source=newsletter_must-read-stories-today_more_news_carousel
3. Accuse opponents of racial prejudice - play the race card. In an article entitled "Fear for Obama's Safety Grows as Hate Groups Thrive on Racial Backlash," ABC News alleged a link between racial prejudice and anti-Obamacare sentiments.
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=8324481&page=1
4. Shift the focus of the debate. The White House has shifted the focus away from the positive - improving healthcare for all Americans - to a negative - reining in the evil health insurance industry.
5. When accused of having a controversial proposal, just say "No we don't." This tactic is popular with some Senators and Representatives when constituents push back against specific proposals in Obamacare. It's the "No, it doesn't say that" response. It's dependent on tactic #6.
6. Hide the plan. When the House version of the plan is criticized, just say that the Senate has a different version, but then don't reveal that version. And, if you're Obama, say, "Well, that's not in my plan." It's all a shell game - plan, plan, who's got the plan?
7. Hide key congressional proponents. For example, Rep. Harry Teague (D. NM) is just one among those Democrat members of Congress hiding from their constituents during the recess. Callers asking to know his schedule are referred to the Congressman's website for a list of town hall meetings on ObamaCare. His last "Harry in your hometown" event was August 8th. Where's Harry now?
http://www.teague.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=236:harry-in-your-hometown-schedule&catid=36:services&Itemid=1
Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D. CA.) is also hiding from his constituents. According to the Merced County News:
http://www.mercedcountytimes.net/
8. Pretend to give up on controversial issues that were never acknowledged in the first place. We've heard that the alleged Senate bill has omitted the controversial "death committee" provision that was never acknowledged to have existed in the first place. This offers the illusion of compromise.
9. Hold pro-Obamacare pep rallies that profess to be open town hall-like events. Obama is reverting to the campaign style that brought him success during the election. Fill a room full of supporters, answer stacked questions, claim that support is widespread, and attempt to build positive momentum.
10. Blame the media for focusing on the opponents. Since the legacy media is decidedly pro-Obama, this accusation doesn't provoke their ire. It should, but it doesn't.
11. Demonize the opposition. This is, perhaps, the most consistent and frequently used tactic designed to weaken the opposition to Obamacare. Rush Limbaugh is accused of inflammatory language, and his alleged minions dutifully march into the contentious town hall meetings that surface on YouTube.
12. Make false claims for Obamacare. This tactic is close to #5. It's represents the dissemination of misinformation about the House bill, pertaining to the bill's costs and provisions. This tactic provoked angry pushback at some town hall meetings. People had read the bill, while their congressional member clearly had not.
2 comments:
I know that 30% of Americans have little or no health insurance, many of whom are working individuals. I just left a full-time, 60+ hour week position that provided health care, but the employee had to pay 50% of the premium. No dental, vision, AD&D, or life insurance. I know most companies are engaging in medical cost-cutting these days due to the economy. So, how do we create a system for hard-working people to get good health care?
I know socialized medicine works in some countries: will it work here? I can neither answer that question nor take a firm position. Ideally, I like H.R. 676—but is this Bill practical? I have no answers, even after reading your well-written post.
Ann Coulter once sniped that people who sit on the fence about issues are stupid. She's wrong, as usual. Fence sitteres seek opinions from both conservatives and progressives to assess an issue intelligently before making a decision. You and Shoo make some good points. So do progressives. The issue is so complex, that I can at least understand why we need a 1,000+ page document. So much about the potential of single-payer health needs careful scrutiny.
You posted some good points that need to be considered.
Great job on the revised look of your site. I very much like it. I hope you and yours are well.
I appreciate your stopping by. I really do appreciate your progressive tilt yet reasonable assessment prior to conclusion.
And thanks for reading :)
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