Obama Calls McCain's Health Care Plan "Radical"
(CHICAGO) Barack Obama will bring health care back into the spotlight today, after weeks of heavy emphasis on the economy.
At a rally in Newport News, Virginia, Obama will blast John McCain's health care plan, which he describes as being "radical."
McCain is offering up a proposal to tax health care benefits received through the workplace, but in return, he would give a $2,500 tax credit for individuals and $5,000 for families. The tax credits would be paid directly to the insurance companies.
According to excerpts from Obama's speech today, he will argue that McCain essentially will be raising taxes because the tax credit will not directly go back to individuals.
"You read the fine print, it's clear that John McCain is pulling an old Washington bait and switch. It's a shell game," Obama will say. "He gives you a tax credit with one hand – but raises your taxes with the other."
Obama is advocating for a universal health care plan, which would be largely financed by eliminating the Bush tax cuts. While Obama's program would be cost between $50 - $65 billion per year, he says the average consumer would save $2,500.
The campaign will also unveil four new TV ads, radio ads, and mailers which will criticize McCain's health care proposals.