August 8, 2009: Obama Decries ‘Outlandish Rumors’ Surrounding Health Care Reform

In his weekly radio and Internet address, President Obama accuses health care reform opponents of using “outlandish rumors” and “misleading information” to combat his reform efforts. “As we draw close to finalizing—and passing—real health insurance reform, the defenders of the status quo and political point-scorers in Washington are growing fiercer in their opposition,” Obama says. “Some have been using misleading information to defeat what they know is the best chance of reform we have ever had,” he adds, and notes that it is critical for Americans to have all the facts as they meet their lawmakers in home districts. “Let me explain what reform will mean for you,” Obama says. “And let me start by dispelling the outlandish rumors that reform will promote euthanasia, cut Medicaid, or bring about a government takeover of health care. That’s simply not true.… There are those who… are trying to exploit differences or concerns for political gain.” Representative Tom Price (R-GA), offering the Republicans’ counter-address, says, “Rather than listening to the concerns of those who will face the consequences of the legislation, the White House has laughed off the thought that Americans might have sincere concerns about a plan that relies so heavily on government involvement in health care.” [Reuters, 8/8/2009]