Americans are divided on health care reform. That's what we hear. But the only thing they're "evenly divided" on are the central reform goals. That's not a problem for reformers, so much as an opportunity. According to this McClatchey poll (which I missed last month) slightly less than half of those polled wanted health care reform to control costs. And slightly less than half wanted health care reform to expand coverage. Only five percent opposed the very idea of reforms.
Which means that the dual goals of Obama's health care reform to expand coverage AND to control long-term costs are speaking precisely to the two major public concerns about health care. The devil is, of course, in the details of any legislation - but the legislative initiative and momentum are clearly moving in the right direction and speaking to the major problems perceived by an overwhelming majority of Americans. It's incumbent upon Democrats and the White House to show the public how the broad outlines of their plan address these very real concerns. There's no excuse for failure in the present political environment. Reformers just need to step up to the plate with a clear and convincing message.
Do it. who cares...
Posted by: hampshire | August 11, 2009 at 03:37 AM
It sounds like people are picking certain parts of the proposed health plan and understanding them to mean whatever suits them.
Posted by: Technology | August 11, 2009 at 11:20 PM