AL GORE: ‘Emotional’ New Ad Focuses on Patients’ Rights

      Vice President Al Gore released an ad this weekend featuring Ian Malone, a child he invited to the Democratic National Convention last month. Titled "Ian," the ad states: "Medical errors at birth left Ian Malone needing constant care. But the HMO began cutting them off against doctor's orders. ... Al Gore heard their story and fought back." Noting that they had "gotten to the point of complete desperation," Ian's mother, Christine, says: "[Gore] told the insurance company, 'Don't do this. Don't cut this child's coverage.'" The ad continues: "But knowing that all families need protection from HMO abuses, [Gore is] fighting for a real patients' bill of rights." Christine Malone concludes: "Even if he fought half as hard for the people of our country as he did for my son, nobody loses." The Gore campaign did not disclose where the new ad is running, although previous ads have been airing in 17 "battleground states" (Braverman, NationalJournal.com, 9/12). To view the ad, please click here. Note: You will need RealPlayer G2 to view the ad.