Monday, March 22, 2010

YOU WOULDN'T HAVE HAD TO WASTE MONEY ON A HOSPITAL STAY IF YOU HADN'T MADE ME WANT TO MURDER YOU

I don't think this line of attack will develop much traction, except among the GOP base, but I think one of the next complaints we're going to hear from Republicans is that the White House and Democrats are wasting taxpayer dollars defending the health care bill (even though it's Republicans who are making this necessary):

New York Times:

... President Obama plans to open a new campaign this week to persuade skeptical Americans that the bill holds immediate benefits for them and addresses the nation's shaky fiscal condition....

The White House and Democrats were preparing to counter the legal arguments and coordinate a state-by-state response to any prospective challenges....


Washington Post:

... Reshaping the legislation's image will take place in three phases, White House aides said: the immediate aftermath; the seven months until the November midterm elections; and the several years that follow, during which many provisions in the measure will gradually take effect.

...In the coming days, Obama plans to take several trips across the nation to counter what Democrats expect will be an onslaught of criticism and misinformation about the overhaul.

Administration officials are also preparing talking points and fact sheets that lawmakers can take home with them on their Easter vacation, Obama advisers said. Those documents are being developed with Democratic leaders in the House and Senate, aides said....


I'm guessing the Murdoch media will try to tote up the costs of Obama's trips and to do "exposes" of those who (using your tax dollars!) are working on the talking points and fact sheets. Never mind the fact that the various national and state Republicans who'll be fighting the bill tooth and nail will also be doing it on your dime.

As I say, I don't think this line of argument will be a winner with swing voters -- except perhaps in a "lite" version with the mainstream media, which may be very willing to retransmit the argument that the White House is going into permanent campaign mode -- as if the GOP's repeal campaign isn't primarily about rousing the rabble so they'll vote Republican in 2010 and 2012.

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