Dueling Ads Take On McCain's Health Care Plan

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: Advertising

John McCain is discussing his health care plan this week, saying he wants to put "individuals and families back in charge, and [force] companies to respond with better service at lower cost." His new ad spotlights his proposal for a $5,000 refundable tax credit for every family, "so that they can go out across state lines and get the insurance policy that suits them best." (For the full script, see Starting Gate.)

Here's McCain's ad, in which the candidate himself makes his case:

There's another ad out today about McCain's health care plan, though it offers a very different message. Just consider the way the Service Employees International Union bills the spot in a press release: "SEIU BEGINS NATIONAL TV ASSAULT ON MCCAIN'S TERRIBLE HEALTHCARE 'PLAN.'"

The spot, which is running in Ohio and the District of Columbia, features what appear to be medical professionals discussing their jobs. "Our next president has to get health care costs under control," says one. Cue an announcer: "Like President Bush, John McCain won't stop rising health care costs. McCain opposed common sense ideas like letting seniors buy prescriptions through Medicare. And he joined Bush to oppose health care for children."

Watch it:

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
Follow on Twitter »

3 Comments Have Your Say
Email Story Send to a Friend
Share This Tell Your Friends
Tweet This Tweet This
More Share It

Add a Comment


by b-easy63 May 1, 2008 12:57 AM EDT: Hillary still has one big plus: most Obama supporters would still vote for her, even if she cheats to win. THIS little fact means she can do what she likes and still at least get their votes. Obama on the other hand, is shown to lose her crowd. If electability is the issue--Obama supporters hurt him every time they say they will vote for Hillary no matter what.

If the contest is 50/50 then if Obama supporters will still support Hillary but more of hers won''''t support Obama--and either can get the Independents--who would lose? Obama supporters don''''t see the game.

In the final analysis, the superdelegates will go with the best risk, if HRC can pull the Independents, it COULD be her. Obama''''s supporters and their loyalty to the Dem party are being used against him and them. Funny how so many can''''t see that.; Reply to this comment


by memekiller April 29, 2008 5:12 PM EDT: Why didn''t you link to the ad that simply had McCain, answering an audience question about keeping troops in Iraq for 50 years with, "Maybe a hundred." No commentary, just the question and McCain''s response?

This definitely meets the Wright standard of media controversy, if you guys were even-handed rather than pursuing the same double-standard of Conservative Wisdom in Washington.

It''s the People vs. MCain''s base.; Reply to this comment


by kenbomc April 29, 2008 4:05 PM EDT: The second video is hillarious. Watch how many times Bush and McSame hug and kiss. That paints the real picture of McSame''s candidacy. Bush has molded McSame into a third term as president.; Reply to this comment