Health care reform sounds better when you know the facts
Andrew Alexander, the ombudsman (or public editor) at The Washington Post, performed a valuable public service on Sunday with a column in which he analyzed the content of Post stories on health care and found that the majority of them cover the issue like a horse race — who’s up, who’s down — rather than offering detailed reporting about the actual policies being discussed. Alexander wrote the column after complaints from readers who wanted more details on a complicated subject.
(A disclosure: Andy is a longtime friend and former Cox colleague.)
In my examination of roughly 80 A-section stories on health-care reform since July 1, all but about a dozen focused on political maneuvering or protests. The Pew Foundation’s Project for Excellence in Journalism had a similar finding. Its recent month-long review of Post front pages found 72 percent of health-care stories were about politics, process or protests.
“The politics has been covered, but all of this is flying totally over the heads of people,” said Trudy Lieberman, a contributing editor to Columbia Journalism Review, who has been tracking coverage by The Post and other news organizations. “They have not known from Day One what this was about. . .”
. . .Nearly half of those surveyed this month in a nationwide poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation said they are “confused” about reform plans.
Kaiser’s president and CEO, Drew Altman, worries that the media have devoted too much attention to “accusation and refutation” stories instead of focusing on the “core questions about health-care reform that the public wants answered.”
By “gravitating toward controversies” such as the recent boisterous town hall meetings on health care, he said, the media may “unwittingly” be allowing coverage to be shaped by evocative rhetoric and images.
That helps explain why so many Americans believe the distortions, exaggerations and outright lies that the right, as well as the health care industry, has spread about health care reform. As NBC’s Chuck Todd noted last month, when Americans hear the ACTUAL FACTS in the plans, 55 percent support health care reform.
But let’s face it. Only a small percentage of Americans are every going to take the time to read long and detailed stories on health care reform, no matter how many newspapers print such stories. The crazed town hall meetings and angry shouters on cable TV are always going to get more attention and have more impact.
The circus always gets our attention.
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110 comments Add your comment
Peadawg
September 1st, 2009
7:52 am
“The circus always gets our attention.”
I guess that’s why I can’t stop reading your blogs.
Ivan
September 1st, 2009
8:14 am
“The circus always gets our attention.”
Hence, your Pulitzer, Ms. Tucker.
bob
September 1st, 2009
8:18 am
Since reps have admitted that they did not read the bill, how can they argue facts ? Rep John Conyers, Michigan, recently stated that the bills are written by lawyers and he can’t understand them anyway. One other point, the only bill out is HR3200, when confronted by certain questions, the senate and white house mouthpieces just say that the final bill isn’t passed yet and those questions are not relevant. Arlen Spector did this in his townhalls.
Jimmy62
September 1st, 2009
8:24 am
How can you say if we just knew the facts? The bill and what’s in it changs every day. Find a line that makes sense, here, Cynthia, because there are NO facts. One day it’s single payer, the next there’s a public option, the day after that there is no public option. They are making it up as they go along, so of course we dopn’t have the facts. Neither do you, and stop acting like it because anyone following this knows that you know as little as we do about the final bill, since it doesn’t exist.
Turd Ferguson
September 1st, 2009
8:34 am
“The circus always gets our attention.”
Kinda like the Reps taking a page from the Dems playbook eh?!!! YES!
This OboboCare debacle is just that and the individuals who are hardworking grow weary of supporting and being taxed to support others who are, for the most part, lazy.
You feel for them then you support them.
lovelyliz
September 1st, 2009
8:52 am
Politics is always about winning and rarely about facts. The blame for which I place sqyarely on the shoulders of “we” the voters who prefer to get their news through singular “news” sources and can’t or won’t differentiate between real news and opinion. Not that everybody is wrong, but when you don’t do the least bit of research and don’t acknowledge anything that goes against your side, you end up with serious journalists like Rush Limbaugh.
Jackie
September 1st, 2009
9:04 am
Did you ever notice how the same folks that speak the loudest and know NOTHING about the subject ALWAYS have more to say than anyone else.
On top of their promoting fallacious characterizations about the subject, they attack/ignore the facts with vigor.
Their strategy appears to focus on telling a lie long enough and loudly enough where it begins to sound like the truth.
Mary Moore
September 1st, 2009
9:20 am
How can you truly have healthcare reform and not have torte reform? We are kidding ourselves if you think this is possible. Also they say now that the public option is optional, remember the seat belt law. Only a secondary offense, but not anymore. They want it on the table and then we get our bait & switch. (Isn’t that supposed to be illegal?) But I guess I am just a middle class hardworking white woman ( lately another word for racist) that does not buy into socialized healthcare. It is amazing that the congress and the senate will vote for something that they have not read fully and want to shove it down our throats, but they are exempt from because the american people already pay for their healthcare. Hey that would be one way to save money make them pay their own way. I am appalled the turn this country has taken, we have spent our way into oblivion. Not because we have a black president, but because of a liberal agenda that we need to take care of those that can’t. Unfortunately we will be taking care of those who won’t, big difference. I own my own small business and abide by accounting 101. Spend less than you make. There is no growth if there is not sufficient profit to sustain it. And if there is mismanagement there are no bonuses, I lose my business. Government and big business needs to take the accountability and responsability for their actions.
Donovan
September 1st, 2009
9:22 am
Just when you think that Tucker has given herself enough rope to hang herself she also picks up a loaded gun and puts it into her mouth. What we have here folks is a dedicated communist who searches for an article to support her lunatic assumption that socialized medicine is good for America. The Washington Post is her rational answer for credibility? The very idea of going along with a proposed plan to further destroy this country with additional debt in the trillions, to further control the lives of the American people, and do it for the sake of Uncle Teddy is the ideology of left wing enemies of this country. Tucker sits in Obamaland and rattles out journalistic left wing propaganda like a dedicated soldier of the liberal movement that has stolen the House, Senate, and the White House. This so called “Health Reform” campaign is nothing more than a measuring device of what more is to come from the left wing establishment. Cap and trade is next. These raucous town hall meetings are a reply to their destructive initiatives.
Just because
September 1st, 2009
9:23 am
Our elected officials for the most part don’t have a clue about what is in HR3200. They rely on a bunch of aides to tell them what is in legislation. One only has to send an e-mail to an elected official about Health Care and get a can response about the Economy or send an e-mail about illegal immigration and get a can response about Health Care to know what goes on in Washington (this actually happened!) . . . this is what we have working for us in Washington. How can we trust anything they say!! I’ll take my chances on some talk show host as to someone who knows what they are talking about.
Davo
September 1st, 2009
9:55 am
“…the media may “unwittingly” be allowing coverage to be shaped by evocative rhetoric and images.”
Isn’t that how the media is supposed to work?
Just goes to show how Tucker and her cohorts are spoon-fed by their respective political handlers. All the more reason not to believe the MSM.
Sunshine and Thunder
September 1st, 2009
9:58 am
Well, Cynthia, you certainly advance the debate buy using your editorial position to call the opposition liars, distorters and exaggerators. Well done Cindy. You commit the sin of which you preach.
jt
September 1st, 2009
10:08 am
“That helps explain why so many Americans believe the distortions, exaggerations and outright lies that the right, as well as the health care industry, has spread about health care reform.”
We are all just STOOOPID,
right?
Please keep believing that.
Betty
September 1st, 2009
10:12 am
Unfortunately people who are against health care reform see it as another “welfare” program that they will not be able or need to use. It is imperative that something be done about the ever rising cost and certain insurance industry practices i.e. not covering pre existing conditions, dropping insurers when they do become sick.
Not Scared
September 1st, 2009
10:19 am
Facts? Loosely used word from the liberal press.
Health care reform, sure. Taxpayer paid public option, no way.
Camden R.
September 1st, 2009
10:27 am
As long as members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus say things like this:
With no official bill before Congress, the question becomes: Does it pay to hold a town hall meeting?
For Maurice Hinchey (D), the answer is no.
“There’s no point in holding any public meetings now,” he said, noting some of the push for public debate has come from organizations that oppose the idea of health care reform.
I’ll be turfing his asstro.
I’m getting pretty damn sick and tired of worthless politicians and liberal journalists like you implying that it’s citizens who don’t have the facts.
NEITHER YOU OR THEY have the facts but you want us to believe???
Sell it to someone else, sister. Me and many like me have suffered our last insult from you high and mighties.
ADL
September 1st, 2009
10:29 am
Yes, Jackie, and if you promise Hope and Change everyone will believe you too.
Otto
September 1st, 2009
10:30 am
Facts I have read quotes from the bill. It is a terrible idea.
Further all I really have to do is look at the track record of who is backing it to know that it is a bad idea.
Yes I agree that torte reform is needed before any other changes in healthcare and other areas of life.
PS :But let’s face it. Only a small percentage of Americans are every going to take the time to read long and detailed stories on health care reform
I think it should be are “ever” not “every”. Maybe you should take from your own article and read before making a statement as an expert.
RAMBLE ON!!!
September 1st, 2009
10:33 am
The facts are, don’t believe anything this administration says. Lie after lie, after lie.
So Cindy, how will this get paid for, and where are all these doctors going to come from for the additional 47 million folks who don’t have health coverage?
Last I checked, the doctors were already pretty busy.
dw
September 1st, 2009
10:33 am
I don’t think anyone knows all the “facts”. Not even those in Congress that would vote for or against it. Have BHO come on major networks and say with no vagueness that counselling will be either mandatory or optional. That abortions would either be covered or not. The actual costs. Any of the “sticking” points addressed with no “grey” talk. And if actual legislation wavers from his promises at all, then he will resign and go away along with all his cohorts. By the way 55% is not an overwhelming majority.
lovelyliz
September 1st, 2009
10:39 am
Mary Moore just look at the failed Texis tort reform experiment:
“a recent analysis by Atul Gawande in the New Yorker found that while Texas tort reforms led to a cap on pain-and-suffering awards at two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which led to a dramatic decline in lawsuits, McAllen, Texas is one of the most expensive health care markets in the country. ”
“annual jury awards and legal settlements involving doctors amounts to “a drop in the bucket” in a country that spends $2.3 trillion annually on health care, said Amitabh Chandra, a Harvard University economist. Chandra estimated the cost at $12 per person in the U.S., or about $3.6 billion, in a 2005 study. Insurer WellPoint Inc. said last month that liability wasn’t driving premiums.”
“It’s really just a distraction,” said Tom Baker, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and author of “The Medical Malpractice Myth.” “If you were to eliminate medical malpractice liability, even forgetting the negative consequences that would have for safety, accountability, and responsiveness, maybe we’d be talking about 1.5 percent of health care costs.”
uga_b
September 1st, 2009
10:40 am
I think the media has done a fantastic job of presenting the Democrat’s “facts”. The main problem is that facts and opinions are not synonymous. Saying your program will save money does not make it so–especially when it adds 1 billion dollars. I would love to hear more facts and less talking points. The only fact I see is that we are rushing a debate that clearly most politicians haven’t taken seriously or they would have at least read the bill. The fact is no healthcare reform is better than half-baked reform that further skews the incentives that have made it the mess it is now.
Jake
September 1st, 2009
10:42 am
There’s a few facts that aren’t good for passage of the bill. 1) 10- 15 million of those uninsureds are young and healthy and don’t want to pay insurance premiums to subsidize the old, smokers, dopers, and fatties, but they will be forced to have coverage. 2) At least one of the current bills will reduce Medicare benefits $500B, raise some select taxes, and still cost $1T or more over ten years. Which idiots consider that ‘reducing’ the cost of health care?
gatorman770
September 1st, 2009
10:43 am
If I want the real facts on the health debate, I know they will not be found in your column!
Peadawg
September 1st, 2009
10:46 am
“Which idiots consider that ‘reducing’ the cost of health care?”
Oh me me me! I have the answer to that question! Cynthia Tucker does!!!
preston
September 1st, 2009
11:05 am
let me join in camden’s outrage by adding muckety mucks.
**Me and many like me have suffered our last insult from you high and mighty MUCKETY MUCKS.**
much better since it more aptly describes people like sin? the-ahhh.
jt
September 1st, 2009
11:07 am
Maybe CHUCK TODD or MS. TUCKER can explain to us ignorant folks
what the INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE has to do with HEALTHCARE reform.
AH
September 1st, 2009
11:08 am
I’m so glad that you didn’t expose any of the lies that the left and the President have told on this issue.
Try not to take it personally but the American people do know what is going on and have spoken up about it. Just because the ‘media’ can’t handle that fact doesn’t mean that there is some vast ‘right wing conspiracy’ or that the American people are all in the pay of evil corporations.
Stan
September 1st, 2009
11:15 am
The flat truth why successful companies furnish their employees with Health Coverage.
Healthy employees Keep Successful Companies Healthy.
Therefore, a Just Nation and a Just Government.
Should be about the business of Maintaining a Healthy People.
Thus, out producing Al Global Competitors.
To do otherwise Shows No Love for Its People Healthy Longevity.
Chris Broe
September 1st, 2009
11:20 am
Cynthia, I know you’re not a doctor. I realize that today you’re only writing about Rx reform as it’s playing out on TV, but maybe you know a folk-medicine cure for my ailment. It hurts bad when I do this: read the trolls’ comments on your blog.
Otto
September 1st, 2009
11:23 am
Obama wanted to unify the country and he has completed that goal. Gatorman, Uga-b, RAMBLE ON!!! and my self are all against the reform bill submitted by the Dems. For some reason I do not think this is how he wanted to unify the country.
Gandhi
September 1st, 2009
11:29 am
It would appear the comments here accurately illustrate Ms. Tuckers point.
pd
September 1st, 2009
11:29 am
I support a public option in health care. I believe that everyone should have access to affordable health care.
Swatdad
September 1st, 2009
11:31 am
Hey Cynthia,
Keep telling us how stupid we are. That is working out real well for you.
Also, your column did a real good job of putting facts before the dumb masses.
What a joke. The people know what is going on, Cynthia. Deal with it.
Pompano
September 1st, 2009
11:31 am
Funny that liberal editorial writers seem to be the only ones that don’t understand the ramifications of this health care legislation.
Notice they never defend their legislation on it’s merits (because they’re not really sure what’s in it). Their only defense to anyone with concerns is that we’re either confused or racist (the now blanket attack against anyone who disagrees with BO).
So…it CT a writer for the AJC or an Advertising hack for the White House?
Christina
September 1st, 2009
11:46 am
Lovelyliz, the benefits of tort reform do not solely target jury awards. One of the main arguments for health care reform from the left is keeping costs down. Any doctor will tell you that right now, they practice defensive medicine, meaning they order unnecessary tests in order to avoid being sued later. Who do you think pays for these extra tests? The patient! Defensive medicine is a HUGE reason why our health care costs are so high. Tort reform would go a long way toward eliminating this problem.
Rhonda Johnson
September 1st, 2009
11:53 am
Wow, once again I hear a lot of anger and complaints, but no constructive suggestions or solutions. But then again I guess everyone on this forum is comfortable with the rising cost of healthcare.
the evil rich
September 1st, 2009
11:56 am
OK, Cynthia here is FACT 1 – NO ONE with an emergency heath care issue is refused treatment, if they can pay or not, period. THAT IS THE LAW.
Gandhi
September 1st, 2009
12:00 pm
These comments here are the circus: Step right up and watch the spittum fly!
I only wish it were funny instead of sad.
who cares
September 1st, 2009
12:12 pm
Ms. Tucker, you would not knwo the facts if it bit you in your FAT BUTT!
You painted yourself as an unknowing ignorant racist black woman with a chip on her shoulder and her reparations bag open and waiting for the handouts. When you have Gov’t interfering in Medical decisions there is going to be rationing. UNLESS, of course, it is FIXED and that the only rationing will be for WHITE PEOPLE! Oh yes-let’s not forget that the illegally elected Kenyan president’s fathers were anti american MUSLIMS! His mother was probably not well liked and disowned by her parents for marrying an anti american muslim as a rebellion punishment. Let’s nto forget that the Kenyan leader referred to his grandmother as a typical White woman. Heck, maybe we should get togehter and burn down some businesses over THAT statement! This is America. And in 2010-whent he PEOPLE take back the government, they will take Obama, and Pelosi and Reid and Dodd and Franklin and maybe the Clintons, and put them on trial for crimes against America-and once convicted, put them on a slow boat to Kenya and revoke their citizenship. Then, the REAL President will arrest and deport EVERY illegal in this country and every anti american will be kicked out.enjoy your stay here ms. Tucker-you will only be visiting for a short while-and then you will be asked to leave with your Kenyan President-never to return to the AMERICAN United States.
Gandhi
September 1st, 2009
12:23 pm
AS I said, Ms. Tucker’s point accurately illustrated above.
Me First
September 1st, 2009
12:27 pm
But let’s face it. Only a small percentage of Americans are every going to take the time to read long and detailed stories on health care reform, no matter how many newspapers print such stories. The crazed town hall meetings and angry shouters on cable TV are always going to get more attention and have more impact….
I don’t care about who reforms what as long I get mine and the rich pay for it!!! Healthcare is an entlitlement!!!
Me First
September 1st, 2009
12:31 pm
Right, Gandhi…man of quiet progressive intellect. Cynthia Tucker for state senate.
Gandhi
September 1st, 2009
12:38 pm
You prefer regressive intellect?
Mike
September 1st, 2009
12:46 pm
Cynthia,
Interesting that the first 50 or so responses to your editorial were AGAINST Obamacare! hmmmmmmm, maybe that is because the majority of Americans are against it! Where’s all the support? This disaster of a bill is NEVER going to pass and the left is never going to forgive Obama for it – this is going to get ugly quick for him.
Me First
September 1st, 2009
12:47 pm
I do, now that I’m a liberal. Conservatism doesn’t work. Just look at the success stories of California, New Jersey and New York. Pretty soon the whole country will be that way. Get what’s left of the good ‘ol USA while you can.
Thogwummpy
September 1st, 2009
12:52 pm
Whenever you see Cynthia Tucker claim to be an authority upon “facts”, your B.S. radar should be pinging wildly!
Robyn
September 1st, 2009
12:59 pm
Our current health care system is not perfect and will never be. However it does not need over 1000 pages of change to make it better. If it takes a herd of lawyers to understand what is in the democrats bill, you know they are up to no good. I don’t consider democrat facts as facts at all, just propoganda.
reservoirDAWG
September 1st, 2009
1:07 pm
Did someone just refer to CA, NJ and NY as conservative?
William
September 1st, 2009
1:09 pm
Gandhi:
Are you trying to become intellectual? What is the matter? You can not fight the message but attack the messengers. How typical of CT too!