“We intend to transcend ideology and partisan politics,” said Families USA Executive Director Ron Pollack at a press conference. The multimillion dollar campaign aired nationally for 2 weeks during the Republican and Democratic conventions.
The ad featured Harry and Louise, back at their kitchen table. The characters were portrayed by the same two actors, now 14 years older. Harry noted that health care costs are going up again and that small businesses are being forced to drop their plans. Louise said that a friend just found out he has cancer and can't afford a plan. Harry remarked that “too many people are falling through the cracks.” Finally, Louise said that “whoever the next president is,” health care should be “at the top of his agenda,” and that he should bring everyone to the table and “make it happen.”
The campaign did not advocate any specific solution. The sponsors said their goal was to create momentum for change, and that they believed that, unlike 14 years ago, there is a consensus that reform is inevitable and necessary.
“The status quo is no longer acceptable,” said Rich Umbdenstock, AHA president and CEO.
“We simply can't be having this conversation 14 years from now,” added Sister Carol Keehan, CHA president and CEO.
The NFIB joined the effort because its membership said that “health care costs are their No. 1 concern,” said Todd Stottlemyer, president and CEO.
The five groups were joined at the briefing by Karen Ignani, president and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans. AHIP (back when it was known as the Health Insurance Association of America) launched Harry and Louise the first time, helping to defeat the Clinton reform plan.
But Ms. Ignani said times are different now: “Our commitment is to make sure no one falls through the cracks,” she said.