The Hill exposes Dems health strategy

TheHill.com Axelrod gives Dems their health talking points

By Alexander Bolton and Jeffrey Young

Posted: 08/06/09 05:52 PM [ET]

1. Axelrod told lawmakers to focus on reform of the health insurance industry when talking to constituents in their states...
2. Axelrod also instructed senators to talk about Democratic healthcare reform plans in comparison to the status quo....
3. The White House officials also urged senators to stick to the game plan and not let themselves become distracted by criticism and town hall protests being organized by conservative and business groups.

The Hill.com Dem memo plots message war on insurers
By Mike Soraghan

1. “Remove the insurance companies from between you and your doctor— capping what they can force you to pay in out of pocket expenses, co-pays and deductibles, and giving you the peace of mind you will be covered for the care you need, if get sick, or if you change or lose your job.”
2. ...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.
3. ...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.
4. “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.”
5. The web plan includes a Facebook page, a Twitter campaign, and even a “Hidden Tax Clock” modeled after the National Debt Clock. It will push the Democratic talking point that American's are already paying a hidden tax by subsidizing the uninsured.