GOP Sticks to Script on 'Washington Takeover' of Health Care

By David Hilzenrath
In the political rhetoric of health reform, reality may be irrelevant.

The New York Times Magazine offered a glimpse behind the curtain recently when Deborah Solomon interviewed Republican pollster and communications adviser Frank Luntz. For Luntz, the accuracy of an attack line seemed beside the point. Here’s an excerpt:

Solomon: “Your new 28-page memo, ‘The Language of Health Care,’ was sent to Republicans in Congress and recommends that they speak about health care reform in ominous phrases. For instance, you suggest that they refer to ‘a Washington takeover.’”

Luntz: “‘Takeover’ is a word that grabs attention.”

Solomon: “Is it a correct description of the president’s plans for reform?”

Luntz: “We don’t know what he is proposing. We want to avoid ‘a Washington takeover.’”

Solomon: “But that’s not at issue. What the Democrats want is for everyone to be able to choose between their old, private health-insurance plan and an all-new, public health-insurance option.”

Luntz: “I’m not a policy person. I’m a language person.”

Today, NPR's David Welna weighs in with a report from Capitol Hill, where Republican lawmakers appear to be reading from Luntz’s script.

Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker: "A Washington takeover of health care would result in a stifling of innovation."

Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander: "I think the one thing we don't want most is a Washington takeover."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky: "What they don't want is a Washington takeover of health care along the lines with what we've already seen with banks, insurance companies and the auto industry."