And So It Begins

Around the blogosphere I noticed some skepticism over the Politico story yesterday about Frank Luntz's advice to Republicans about how to kill universal health care with their messaging. The two biggest questions I noticed were about whether or not the recommendations that Politico published really from Luntz and also whether or not the GOP would even be listening to what he said. I think its safe to say now that the answers are yes and yes.

Ensign spokesman Tory Mazzola told us, “Sen. Ensign, like Frank Luntz, is bipartisan. No party has a lock on good ideas, which is why Sen. Ensign is looking at many different solutions. Luntz has valuable information to offer Republicans as we put together health care reform that encourages wellness, ensures access and improves quality of care. It’s not about what Luntz says; it’s about what senators hear. We’re bringing in a wordsmith to help contrast our health reform plan with the government takeover pushed by the Democrats. All the Democrats’ rationed-care plan needs is a ‘Line forms here’ sign.”

Just to refresh your memory about Luntz's advice.

(3) “Time” is the government healthcare killer. As Mick Jagger once sang, “Time is on Your Side.” Nothing else turns people against the government takeover of healthcare than the realistic expectation that it will result in delayed and potentially even denied treatment, procedures and/or medications. “Waiting to buy a car or even a house won’t kill you. But waiting for the healthcare you need – could. Delayed care is denied care.”

(5) The healthcare denial horror stories from Canada & Co. do resonate, but you have to humanize them. You’ll notice we recommend the phrase “government takeover” rather than “government run” or “government controlled” It’s because too many politician say “we don’t want a government run healthcare system like Canada or Great Britain” without explaining those consequences. There is a better approach. “In countries with government run healthcare, politicians make YOUR healthcare decisions. THEY decide if you’ll get the procedure you need, or if you are disqualified because the treatment is too expensive or because you are too old. We can’t have that in America.”

Like I said yesterday, now its time to get our own wordsmiths and go to town on these idiots.