The Message Challenge - PLEASE REC!
Some of us -- maybe all of us in favor of real reform -- think our messaging has been scattershot and poorly defends the multiple fronts on which health care reform is under assault.
So what should the core message of pro-reform advocates be? Can we put together one central message that will resonate widely, that makes the case, that is loon-resistant and lie-resistant? Don't leave comments questioning my premise. Just say "Yes we can."
The Message Challenge
Your comment must include: The positive Message of Health Care Reform in 25 words or less. It must a) make the case for real reform, b) be compelling to moderates, and b) speak to the issue of trust in government.
Your comment may optionally include: A separate Counter-Argument Message (25 words allowed also) designed to end all arguments from the fringe. Here's where you can have fun.
Ready, set, GO!!!
So what should the core message of pro-reform advocates be? Can we put together one central message that will resonate widely, that makes the case, that is loon-resistant and lie-resistant? Don't leave comments questioning my premise. Just say "Yes we can."
The Message Challenge
Your comment must include: The positive Message of Health Care Reform in 25 words or less. It must a) make the case for real reform, b) be compelling to moderates, and b) speak to the issue of trust in government.
Your comment may optionally include: A separate Counter-Argument Message (25 words allowed also) designed to end all arguments from the fringe. Here's where you can have fun.
Ready, set, GO!!!
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Here's mine:
Message of Health Care Reform:
While investors line their pockets, Americans are denied coverage when they need it most. Let's make health care work for our citizens, not the profiteers.
August 12, 2009 1:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Medicare has been so successful at improving the lives of seniors it must be extended to cover all Americans. Universal healthcare for all Americans. Now.
August 12, 2009 6:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, bluebell. With one comment besides mine in seven hours, I wish more here would spend time developing solutions instead of just highlighting problems.
August 12, 2009 8:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Medicare is 'government run'.It has no competitors. But private insurers provide 'extra' protections. Your choice. Your state laws may not allow any competition whatsoever.
August 13, 2009 1:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
I've got a few from a post I made a couple of days ago that had light traffic. It doesn't exactly meet your needs but it makes sense and fits on a bumper sticker.
Private health insurance is a disease. Public health care is the cure.
Few people object to Medicare and few people object to social security. Although they are loud, only a few people object to health care reform.
Private insurance is paying millions of dollars to prevent public healthcare. Ever wonder where that money originated? Did your premiums only pay for health care?
Is it really acceptable to take people's money for insurance and deny them coverage?
August 13, 2009 1:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Here is the previous post:
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/gregorzap/2009/08/healthcare-the-last-word.php
August 13, 2009 1:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ask your doctor if health care reform is right...for both of you.
August 13, 2009 7:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
Many doctors are part of the problem.
August 13, 2009 10:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Then it should be: TELL your doctor....
August 13, 2009 11:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Some bumper sticker thoughts:
Health Insurance for All: Yes We Can.
Bush Voters Believe Insurance Company Shills.
Insurance Companies Lie.
Grandma LIKES Medicare.
Obamacare Helps.
You pick, they pay: ObamaCare Works.
Obamacare saves lives.
Public Option YES!
August 13, 2009 7:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Priceless.
August 13, 2009 9:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry Ripper, I don't give a damn about your stinkin' rules! ;0)
What is uncontroversially good and definitely in any bill that passes
1. Insurance market reforms to eliminate abuses: end of rescission, end of discrimination on the basis of pre-existing conditions, individual mandate to avoid free-riders. (still open for debate: public option, how to handle price disparities across regions)
2. Subsidies for the lower-income Americans (still open for debate: the extent of subsidies, and how to pay for subsidies)
3. Delivery system reforms to eliminate incentives towards overcharging for care (superfluous tests, etc)
4. Prevention and wellness policies
5. Strengthening the employer-based insurance market (incentivizing employers to provide health insurance)
6. Expanding Medicaid to 133% of poverty level. (still open for debate - how to finance expansion)
General message: there is very little that is controversial and/or disputed in the reform package.
(taken from Ezra Klein's recitation of what is presumably WH issued talking points.)
August 13, 2009 8:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry, Obey. I was hoping you would like my rules. They were designed to constrain so that we might develop one central argument, easily articulated, that can be more effective than the lack of a central argument I'm hearing. All your points are good, but I was hoping for a magic bullet of messaging.
August 13, 2009 11:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
I was kidding Ripper, love the idea!
Okay, in accordance with the rules:
- It's not heath CARE reform, It's health INSURANCE reform! Let's stop the insurance companies from gaming the system!
August 13, 2009 11:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
I like that!
August 13, 2009 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
I like your points, too, Obey. I think they will be very useful talking points as part of our push for reform.
August 13, 2009 12:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Your plan, your doctor, your hospital, your decision. Health care at a price you can afford. Let Americare work for you.
I stole "Americare" from Jason (I think).
August 13, 2009 9:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Priceless! :)
August 13, 2009 12:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
For people who have employer-provided health coverage, the price tag for out-of control health care costs and spending is only conveyed to them indirectly, so they have no clue that the current system is something they can't afford.
And "Americare" sounds like an ugly bureaucracy.
August 13, 2009 12:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Keep your healthcare and create affordable care for those who have none - We can do this!
Insurance companies goal: Increasing profits year after year
Method: Increasing premiums, decreasing coverage
Where does this road lead?
Those who oppose socialized medicine oppose medicare, you can't have it both ways.
Personally I think the link between the anti-government healthcare sentiments and the logical conclusion that they are against medicare need to be heavily stressed, put them on the defensive and make them explain why they thing Medicare should go (unpopular) or why they think Medicare should stay (supporting govt. healthcare). Time to play some hardball.
August 13, 2009 11:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
I like the Medicare hardball. They should be put on the defensive on this, big time.
August 13, 2009 11:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
There! 25 words in my first try! It's my best shot!
August 13, 2009 11:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Correction:
August 13, 2009 11:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'll still give you credit for the first try. ;)
August 13, 2009 11:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
And extra credit for catching the typo?
August 13, 2009 11:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
Most Americans have a health care plan of some kind. The message needs to communicate to this majority why they will be better off after reform.
August 13, 2009 12:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good point, Dan. Very good point.
August 13, 2009 12:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Okay - another one.
"You think you have health insurance? You don't really have insurance! If you get seriously ill, do you know the chances your coverage will be denied, or your policy rescinded? If you lose your job, will you still have insurance? BE VERY VERY AFRAID!
August 13, 2009 1:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
What will be written on the gravestones of those against health care reform? "Long live the status quo".
August 13, 2009 12:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't trust the insurance companies! Everyone deserves health care.
August 13, 2009 12:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
But how much of it do they deserve?
August 13, 2009 12:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, way to quibble, Dan. how about somewhere north of 'Go fuck off and die"...?
August 13, 2009 12:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe it was a mistake to use the loaded word "deserve". I'd rather not get into a "deserving poor" debate.
To answer your question and repeat what I've said elsewhere: In my mind what's coming is like public school: everyone gets good health care coverage, but individuals can choose can go to private school. Except that, at least at first, most will have private insurance and others will have public insurance. If the public entity, or co-op, or non-profit Fannie Mae like company, or whatever we end up with proves to offer good service and coverage then in the long-term more will migrate over.
How much coverage is one of those things that's going to come once all of the versions come together into something coherent. I'm sure that there will be some play at first as plans are put into practice. But everyone will have the choice to be able to get good health care--that's the bottom line.
Hopefully soon, we can argue specifics. Broad brushstrokes lead to bad analogies....
August 13, 2009 6:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
bumper sticker: health insurance premiums kill.
Which will spread faster in America, health reform or cancer?
August 13, 2009 12:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
ObamaCare VS. HighwayrobberyCare.
August 13, 2009 12:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
How about "Free Health Care and Ponies for Everyone!"
August 13, 2009 12:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Only if these are bred from Orlando's fabled Unity Pony.
August 13, 2009 12:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
A lot of people don't have room for ponies. Since everyone would have to move out to the country, your plan would lead to sprawl, leading us to increased emissions, more global warming, and sick ponies because of heat exhaustion.
So,um, your plan sucks.
August 13, 2009 6:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Plus, you didn't even try and follow the rules.
August 13, 2009 6:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
If you get sick, will your health insurance pay? Are you sure??
Most recent bankruptcies were caused by high medical bills. But 3/4 of those people already had health insurance.
Insurance companies deny coverage to people who need it the most.
Insurance companies deny life-saving care to people who have coverage -- their customers!
Most people are one bad illness away from serious financial trouble. If you don't think it can happen to you, you're probably wrong.
Don't think I followed all the rules, Ripper, but these are my best thoughts on the subject.
-- ARG
August 13, 2009 1:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Q:
What's the most expensive healthcare option with the worst outcomes? What's the only healthcare option we can't afford to keep?
A:
The one we have now.
Reform now!
Went two words over. Sorry bout that!
August 13, 2009 2:17 PM | Reply | Permalink