Obama, House Dems Dig In, Push Back on Health Care

Website, 'war room' target misinformation
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 10, 2009 10:37 AM CDT
Obama, House Dems Dig In, Push Back on Health Care
Tony Loconto holds a sign in support of health care reform during a rally outside the office of Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., in Miami, Friday Aug. 7, 2009.   (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Democrats are lurching into action to fight for health care reform, Politico reports. The Obama administration today launched a new viral “Reality Check” website to combat health care myths, modeled on the “Fight the Smears” site it used to get elected. Among other claims, the videos debunk rumors that reform would lead to rationing or euthanasia. Aides say the campaign taught them to fight viral rumors with aggressive viral responses.

At the same time, members of Obama’s Organizing for America group have been urged to demonstrate outside congressional offices, as a counterpoint to the conservatives doing the same. “We can't let extremists hijack this debate, or confuse Congress about where the people stand,” said the group’s director. House Democrats, meanwhile, have set up a “war room” hotline, so congressmembers can get swift answers to policy questions. (More health care reform stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X