Advocates Press McCain, Obama on Health Care

Alicia Mundy reports on the presidential race. The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, an advocacy organization, is running ads on CNN and elsewhere that ask where presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain stand on health care and increasing spending to prevent chronic disease. The ads feature actresses Mary Louise Parker , Phylicia Rashad , Lauren Bacall and other women urging viewers to “nag—kvetch – bitch” and “put your lips together” to get information on the candidates’ positions. Chronic disease, the ads say, accounts for 75% of health care spending and the ads carry the message to “vote like your health depends on it.” A spokeswoman for the group said the ad is part of a $1 million TV buy. The partnership includes some interesting allies. It was launched last year with support from PhRMA, the drug industry’s lobby in Washington, and began running ads about the “No. 1 killer” in the presidential campaigns. The partnership’s board includes  ... (link)