Given the shitty performance so far by the Democrats in the Health Care debate, I wonder if I should be scared or amused by this story.

But Democrats who’d pushed for a vote before the break are dreading an onslaught of advertisements funded by business. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is putting $2 million toward fighting a Democratic proposal to create a government-run “public plan” to compete with private insurers.

To counter that, Democratic leaders will be coordinating media strategies and grassroots efforts with advocacy groups such as Health Care for America Now, Families USA and AARP, along with unions such as AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union.

In a briefing with reporters Thursday, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) acknowledged that Democrats have been losing the message war "a little bit" to Republicans. He said Democrats have had problems communicating with the bill as it changed in the legislative process.

“We’re responsible for putting together a plan. We've been focused on that,” Hoyer said. "Republicans have been free to conjure up whatever they want.”

But now, he noted, some industry groups like the American Medical Association and the pharmaceutical industry who derailed reform in the 90s are on the side of Democrats who want to overhaul the system.

“Harry and Louise are going to be saying this is a good thing,” Hoyer said. “We're going to be on the air, we're going to be in the neighborhoods.”

In addition to noting presidential events, the three-page strategy document lays out a detailed campaign of district events, rapid response, and conference calls with lawmakers to update them on strategy.

Posted by: eddiebear at 09:23 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 Why in the FUCK hasn't the AARP backed away from this after His Wholly Reluctance salvoed his own plan with that "perhaps it's better if she takes the painkillers" line? 
Two possibilities--either those in charge of AARP too are senile to recognize forced govt. euthenasia, or they are just like Congress and pay no attention to what their constituents want.

Posted by: cbullitt at July 31, 2009 09:42 AM (M/WbE)

2 It really does not matter how much the Chamber of Commerce or anyone else spends on advertising opposing the health care scam; the Democrats are going to get free ads and air time courtesy of the MSM, in the form of "news reports" and "news stories". The amazing part of this whole thing is that, even after the admission by Congress Critters that they have not read, do not plan to read and have absolutely no idea what all is contained in the 1000+ pages of the bill, there are people out there still supporting it and demanding its passage.       

Posted by: Dave at July 31, 2009 09:49 AM (ttKrG)

3 cbullitt,
As you're starting to notice, the AARP has been an organ of the Democratic party for a while now.  If it happened to the feminists, why can't it happen to the oldsters?

Posted by: HayZeus at July 31, 2009 10:03 AM (RHxVZ)

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