USA Today Features Bush, Kerry Opinion Pieces on Present Positions on Health Care, Other Issues
USA Today on Tuesday featured opinion pieces by President Bush and Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry (Mass.), in which both candidates present their positions on various issues, including health care.
- Bush: Bush states that he has "a clear and positive plan" for the nation based on a record of "consistent and principled leadership," including the passage of the new Medicare law. According to Bush, "Millions of seniors are saving thanks to Medicare drug discount cards," and when the full benefit is implemented in 2006, "every senior will be eligible for a voluntary prescription drug benefit that could save them as much as 75% off the cost of prescription medication." Bush states his support for "litigation reform to lower the cost of health care and protect small businesses," adding that Kerry "has fought efforts to reduce frivolous litigation." Bush summarizes his health care platform as one that would "promote accessible health care that leaves decisions in the hands of patients and doctors -- not the federal government." In contrast, Bush states Kerry's plan would represent "the largest expansion of government-run health care in history," would cost "at least $1.2 trillion" and would "move eight million people from private insurance to government-run care." Bush concludes, "For nearly four years, I have acted to promote opportunity and protect the safety of my fellow citizens. I ask for your vote to build on the good work we have begun" (Bush, USA Today, 11/2).
- Kerry: Kerry writes that voters "face a fundamental choice" in this election, adding that Bush has led "a failed course" and "made the wrong choices for America" by "tak[ing] care of the special interests, but fail[ing] the middle class and those struggling to join it." He criticizes Bush as "the first president to lose jobs in 70 years," and notes that "health care costs are through the roof ... and veterans are being denied health care." Kerry states, "[W]e'll ensure that health care is a right -- not a privilege -- for all Americans, affordable and accessible." Kerry writes that his health care plan would cover "all our children," allow families "access to the same private health insurance as members of Congress," permit the importation of "safe, FDA-approved prescription drugs from Canada" and lift "the ban on federal funding for stem cell research so that our scientists can pursue cures and treatments for Parkinson's, diabetes, Alzheimer's and other diseases." Kerry concludes, "We will once again stand up for the middle class and all of those struggling to join it. And together, we will lift up the nation we love with the confidence that our best days are still ahead" (Kerry, USA Today, 11/2).