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Ex-CEO, Swift-Boaters Lead Attack on Health Reform

Rick Scott ties Democrats' plans to Canadian, British systems

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 11, 2009 7:48 AM CDT
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(Newser) – As leading Democrats prepare for a health care overhaul, the loudest opposition isn’t coming from GOP leaders—it’s coming from investor and former hospital CEO Rick Scott, with the help of the team that “Swift-boated” John Kerry, the Washington Post reports. Scott is spending $5 million of his own and $15 million from supporters on an ad campaign inspired by the "Harry and Louise" ads that helped kill health care reform in the Clinton administration.

The ads that began running last week prompt fears that reform could lead to long waits for poorer care in a bureaucratic system. Scott says he's not necessarily against Obama's plan, but wants to prompt dialog on "what will happen if we go down this path." Reform advocates are returning fire with ads reminding people that Scott was ousted as CEO of a health care firm that pleaded guilty to overbilling government health plans. "He and his insurance-company friends make millions from the broken system we have now," charges the ad.

President-elect Barack Obama holds a news conference on the future of health care, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, in Chicago.
President-elect Barack Obama holds a news conference on the future of health care, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, in Chicago.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 6, 2009.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 6, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
In this Jan. 29, 2008, file photo, then- Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., left, and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius greet supporters in Kansas City, Mo.
In this Jan. 29, 2008, file photo, then- Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., left, and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius greet supporters in Kansas City, Mo.   (AP Photo/Dick Whipple, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
SBS
May 12, 2009 11:35 AM CDT
Lindame evidently has good private insurance and that is good for her. I wish all Americans did. She does not take into account the fact that many Americans have lost their health care insurance due to the recession or can not get it due to preexisting conditions. Something needs to be done to fill the gap between those who have insurance and those who cannot get it. Insurance companies are in business to make money and cannot afford to care about people and therefore will never solve this problem.
lindamae
May 12, 2009 6:39 AM CDT
Swift Boaters were telling the truth about John Kerry. Why do you think they have done damage? Check out the book. You've been brainwashed by the media.
lindamae
May 12, 2009 6:37 AM CDT
Reminder: Those who "swift boated" told the truth. It was the media that changed "swift boating" into a term that hinted there was a lie involved. There was no lie being told by those sailors who made their accusations about Kerry. He was not entirely truthful - and was caught out. Shows what lots of money can do with PR agencies and the help of media who don't mind bending the truth. I watched a You Tube video of Rep. Jan Shadowsky telling a group that the purpose of Health care reform was to put the private insurance industry OUT of business. She's in our Congress - a member of the Socialist party - but also a Representative. I believe her rather than Obama's glib words that we will be able to keep our private insurance. I also believe the reports by Canada that they are in a lot of trouble with health care. I also believe Tom Daschle when he says we will have to ration health care. I'm 64 and don't look forward to Obama's plan for me. No way! Anyone who doesn't do their homework deserves the anguish his plan will bring - unfortunately, I, too, will suffer. Poor America. Why did we sell out to Hope and Change without knowing the score. George Soros spent millions to discredit Bush - his money was well spent and we were totally brainwashed. Soros advocates assisted suicide. Make you nervous?

Health industry backing Obama?
New York Times

 
health care • bureaucracy • health care reform • campaign • Swift Boating • Rick Scott • Jay-ZTV

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