Biden Plans Move to Health Care Frontlines Next Week

[cal04]

By Ceci Connolly
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/09/18/biden_plans_move_to_health_car.html?wprss=44

Fresh off his trip to Iraq, Vice President Biden will wade deep into the health-care debate next week, according to administration sources.

Biden is slated to give his "first major health policy address" Tuesday to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and on Wednesday visits the Leisure World retirement community in Silver Spring.

On the subject of Obama and health reform, seniors have been the most skeptical age group in the nation. That's a major concern for the White House because retirees vote in large numbers, particularly in mid-term elections. Biden, who will be joined at Leisure World by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and White House health czar Nancy-Ann DeParle, plans to "talk directly to seniors about how changes in Medicare will not affect them medically and will in fact, strengthen the system," said an aide who was not authorized to be quoted.

Biden's higher profile also will also come during a week in which President Obama will turn his focus to foreign policy.

Perhaps more importantly, Biden will be reaching out to an array of lawmakers to press the case for bipartisan enactment of a bill that expands insurance coverage and holds down skyrocketing costs. After spending 36 years in the Senate, Biden's role will be less as a health policy expert and more as a peer.

[gateley]

1. Great news! Biden's relationships with the Congress will be of great help

now. And talking to the Seniors will be a help, too -- regardless of how they feel about Obama, he's YOUNG and doesn't face the fears that they do. I can't think of a better spokesman! Obama has been masterful in his recent speeches (and funny! he could do stand-up!) and Biden will be the perfect complement. They're covering all the bases, and I know they both feel passionately about this issue. Thanks for posting this! :hi:

[gateley]

2. Oops -- forgot to Rec! (I'm very excited about this!) nt

[JimWis]

3. K&R

[WheelWalker]

4. Time to press the flesh, Joe. Shake the trees and bring them to their knees !

:kick: & Recommend

[gateley]

5. Well put, and he can do it! nt

[WheelWalker]

6. Karma for the_m_asses n/t

[gateley]

7. ...

:)

[Motown_Johnny]

8. I figured as much, Pres. Obama is becoming overexposed on this issue,

Using VP Biden as a fresh voice and a fresh face makes sense at this point. (So POTUS can chime in again once we have a final bill)

[gateley]

10. I have a lot of confidence in our Tag Team! nt

[PatSeg]

9. Biden is the perfect choice on this issue

I have a feeling that this was timed this way. Joe comes out shortly after Obama and gives it his own special style.

[gateley]

11. Biden was the perfect choice for VP -- what a team! nt

[PatSeg]

12. He is an incredible asset to this administration

even if he doesn't get a lot of public recognition. We know he loves what he is doing.

[patrice]

13. Health Care professionals want more flexible health care delivery systems.

Sometimes all a person really needs is to discover raw carrots or to get a regular massage.

[patrice]

14. Go Get 'em Joe! Hit them with the Facts!!! We CAN do this!!

Go get 'em, Joe!

[tabbycat31]

15. go get em Joe