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Michelle Obama steps in to help save Barack's healthcare reforms
Paul Thompson in Miami18 Sep 2009
FIRST Lady Michelle Obama is to enter the bitter debate over American healthcare reforms.
She is to use her considerable popularity to push her husband's health policies which have struggled to win widespread support. White House officials said she will not make any political speeches but will instead focus on the implications of the planned reforms for families.
Aides said she will have a "dedicated focus" on health insurance care reforms - one of the most controversial issues in President Obama's $1trillion overhaul of the system.
Having Mrs Obama enter the debate is seen as a winning move as her husband struggles to convince politicians and the public that his plan is the best way forward.
Mrs Obama, 45, is still riding a wave of popularity with her every move and choice of clothing scrutinised by the world media. Recently even the workouts that tone her arms became news.
As a mother of two, who has made it very clear that her daughters Sasha and Malia come first in her life, millions of American mothers identify with her.
Mrs Obama begins her foray into the healthcare debate today when she appears at an event in the Eisenhower Room of the White House, where women and families will talk about the healthcare system.
Winning over women to the reforms is seen as crucial for Mr Obama to get his plans through Congress.
"Women are the swing voters on healthcare, and they are the people who pay most attention to healthcare for their families," said Richard Kirsch, campaign manager for Health Care for America Now, a coalition of community, labour and health care groups.
"Having Michelle Obama as a spokesperson on healthcare makes a tremendous difference in terms of having women understand what the president's plan will mean for families. It takes it from the policy to the personal."
Mr Obama will blitz US TV at the weekend with appearances on five political shows to talk about his proposals.
With the Bill finally on the table, even Democratic senators are lining up to make changes - with one saying it needs "more than a few tweaks". The Republicans are lined up solidly against it and reluctant to hand the Democratic President a huge win on domestic policy.
Reader views (5)
Im Sure that poor/low waged Americans will welcome a system like the NHS , where you will be treated free at point of delivery.
Being poor and ill in the U.S.A is not a very pleasant experience at all.
The cost of American healthcare is phenomenal , and even Thailand(yes thailand) has better healthcare for the lower waged/poor/incapable/needy(delete as appropriate.
Im sure most sane Americans would be willing to pay a TINY bit more tax to fund a system to protect the health of their children.
MR(what a big halo i have ) PASTRY
- Mr Pastry, london, 21/09/2009 08:48
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Britain and Europe are with you... never give up and
God Bless
- Paul, Bromley, 18/09/2009 16:07
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Michelle Obama has no votes, of course, but she does have a right to an opinion. That's about the only concession I'm prepared to make for her.
She is apparently trading in on her 'popularity' for votes, rather than reasoned arguments that persuade. Doesn't anyone see anything wrong with that? Strong implications being made by other leading Democrats that anyone not agreeing with the president's plan are simply being racists - and thus by extension not worthy of consideration. Another example of "reasoned arguments that persuade"? More like an excuse to ignore.
Some healthcare reform is always going to be a good idea (if people travel from all over the world, entering leagally and illegally to take advantage of it, then US healthcare can't be THAT bad). A package that contains an unending stream of self-sustaining socialist wish-list pork? I'm going to need a little more reasoned persuasion, I reckon.
- Rogan, Irving, 18/09/2009 14:13
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Show some respect for yourself Ted-Michelle Obama's background is in healthcare and supporting her husband has nothing to do with votes-I suppose you think she should be in the kitchen.
- Ben, London UK, 18/09/2009 13:04
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Can anyone enlighten as to the number of votes cast for mouthy Michelle in the presidential election?
- Ted, London, 18/09/2009 10:58
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