TPM: White House Releases Final HCR Talking Points

[Larkspur]

White House Releases Final Talking Points: Reform Good For Average Person, GOP Good For Average Insurer

A new set of White House talking points offers a preview of how the Democrats will frame health care reform once President Obama signs the legislation into law. Crafted by David Axelrod and already popping up in Obama's stump speech, the talking points are focused on two key themes - what will health care reform do for the average person, and a suggestion that Republicans are defending big insurance.

The 14-page PowerPoint presentation sent to House Democrats and obtained by TPMDC advises rank-and-file members to keep it simple and focus on the 85 percent of people with health insurance.

The talking points were delivered at a recent caucus meeting for House Democrats by Axelrod's senior adviser David Simas. Capitol Hill aides say members will try out the messaging during the next break and if they work, expect to hear them a lot in the fall.

SNIP

The White House encourages Democrats to direct their press releases and events back home to the 85 percent of Americans who have health insurance. For example: "If you like your plan, you can keep your plan. If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor." The presentation also recommends Democrats tell voters the legislation holds insurers accountable, ends the "worst practices" of insurers, gives families more insurance choices and cuts costs for everyone.

SNIP

I'm one of those Americans whose employer sponsored health care is crap. So what does this bill do for me if I want better coverage than what my employer offers? Wonder if the White House has an answer for that. They just assume that every American who has employer sponsored health insurance likes their insurance.