As rank-and-file Democrats continue to face a backlash back home over President Obama’s government takeover of health care, CNN’s Situation Room highlighted the new web video released yesterday by House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) about the President’s plan.  The Green Bay Press Gazette reported on Rep. Steve Kagen’s (D-WI) reception in a story titled “Shouting Overwhelms Kagen Forum on Health Care.” And in a Zanesville Times Recorder story titled “Health Reform Triggers Big Concerns for Small Business,” Rep. Zack Space (D-OH) heard concerns firsthand. 

The lighthearted video underscores a point Congressional Democrats will hear throughout August as they meet with their constituents: Americans want lower health care costs – not a trillion-dollar government takeover of health care that increases costs and puts Washington bureaucrats in charge of medical decisions that should be made by doctors and patients.  Following is video and transcript of the CNN report:

CLICK TO PLAY

CNN ANCHOR SUZANNE MALVEAUX:  As lawmakers head home for the August recess, they’ll be getting an earful from constituents fired up over health care reform.  Look at what Democrat Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Texas faced.

VIDEO:  Just say no! Just say no!

MALVEAUX:  CNN Senior Political Analyst, Gloria Borger, is here.  Obviously, those pictures quite amazing, you see the kind of pressure some of the lawmakers are under.  What do you think is the impact of having this August recess, this whole month for the White House, for lobbyists to really push forward on health care reform?

CNN POLITICAL ANALYST GLORIA BORGER:  You know, the other week I met with Rahm Emanuel, the White House Chief of Staff with a bunch of reporters and asked him that question.  He said, well, there’s both peril and opportunity in having this bill out there for the month of August.  I know what the peril is.  I’m not quite sure what the opportunity is for the White House.  But the peril really is it gives the opposition, as you saw in that clip, the opportunity to mobilize their forces.  So, take a listen to what House Minority Leader John Boehner left as a present for Democrats.  A little bit of an ad he’s going to be running.

(Begin Video)

ACTOR:  I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV.  If your child had a cough, she’d get just what the doctor ordered.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:  You know what, I’d make a lot more money if I take this kid’s tonsils out.

ACTOR:  I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:  If there’s a blue pill and a red pill and the blue pill is half the price of the red pill and works just as well, why not pay half price?

ACTOR:  I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:  Maybe you’re better off not having the surgery --

(End Video)

BORGER:  You know, it’s clear that this ad is trying to make the case that the government is going to dispense your medical care, and again, making the case that Republicans are making that the Obama plan, such as it is, is a risky experiment.

READ MORE:
Boehner Unveils New Video on President Obama’s Health Plan (8/3/09)
Democrats Face Angry Reaction Back Home on Health Care (8/3/09)