Anti-Reform Group’s Internal Memo: “Rumors Of The Death Of The PO Have Been Greatly Exaggerated”

[babylonsister]

http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/health-care/anti-reform-groups-internal-memo-rumors-of-the-death-of-the-public-option-have-been-greatly-exaggerated/

Anti-Reform Group’s Internal Memo: “Rumors Of The Death Of The Public Option Have Been Greatly Exaggerated”


In a clear sign that conservatives are worried that the public option could still survive, an internal memo from a top anti-health care reform group claims that “rumors of its death” have been “greatly exaggerated,” discusses plans to run new ads targeting it, and vows to redouble efforts to foment opposition to it at town hall meetings.

The internal memo, which I obtained from a source, was created by staffers at Conservatives for Patients Rights, the well-funded group run by controversial former hospital exec Rick Scott, who reform proponents see as public enemy number one.

The memo discusses a “Martha’s Vineyard ad strategy” that’s set to kick in next week. According to a source familiar with the group’s plans, this is a reference to a planned national ad targeting the public option that will reference the President’s vacation.

“Rumors of the death of the public option have been greatly exaggerated,” reads the memo, which is likely to be taken by liberal groups pushing for the public option as a sign that they need to redouble their fundraising and organizing efforts.

CPR’s memo confirms explicitly that the group will work to foment opposition to the public option at town halls. “It is critical that we stay focused on the public option and not become mired in sideshows or discussions of the public option under any other name,” it says. “We must continue to encourage people to attend town hall forums and other public events to stay focused on stopping the public option.”

The memo describes the public option as weakened by uncertainty among Dems created by the White House’s mixed messages about it.

“To paraphrase the President’s Chief of Staff, `there is opportunity in quagmire,’ and until President Obama admits it’s off the table, or a bill is passed with it removed, our primary goal is to stop the public option cold.”

CPR chief Rick Scott was ousted as a hospital exec amid a 1990s fraud probe, and the memo will alarm pro-reform forces, because it shows that the anti-reform camp is beginning to sense that victory is within reach on their top goal: Killing the public option.