The effort was being bankrolled by five groups that by their own admission have “historically divergent views about health care reform”: the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network, the American Hospital Association (AHA), the Catholic Health Association (CHA), Families USA, and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).
“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.”