It's a political ad, butt...
By Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published January 28, 2008 at 1:20 p.m.
Updated January 28, 2008 at 3:09 p.m.
An ad company known for its quirky political spots — including John Hickenlooper riding a scooter — now is featuring folks in those dreaded and drafty hospital gowns to highlight congressional candidate Jared Polis' position on health care.
Polis' ad, which began airing on Denver stations today, features several actors wearing hospital gowns. Their rear ends are blurred by the camera.
Critics say the ad is fun, but factually flawed.
"When it comes to health care, people all over Colorado are walking around with poor coverage," the ad begins.
"Health insurance and pharmaceutical companies are raising co-pays, premiums and deductibles while denying claims."
"... The health-care crisis is no joke. But there is a way to cover everyone all the time — single-payer health care. Find out why it's best for all of us at polisforcongress.com."
Polis is one of three Democrats running to succeed U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, in the 2nd Congressional District.
Polis faces former state Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald and conservationist Will Shafroth.
Polis' spokeswoman, Dayna Hanson, said the response has been positive.
"It's a fun way to highlight a serious problem," she said. "People love it. They think it's great. People stop and they pay attention. That's what you need to do with health care."
Denver consultant Katy Atkinson, who has a number of health-care clients, said the ad was incorrect in saying pharmaceutical companies are involved in co-pays and deductibles.
"It's a cute spot, cute enough that most people will probably ignore where it's off the mark factually and logically," Atkinson said.
"The implication that a single-payer system would solve all those problems is nothing but horse puckey. Just look at the Medicaid system, if you want to see what life would be like under single payer."
Under single-payer health care, the government pays for care that is delivered by the private sector, according to medicinenet.com.
Polis' ad was produced by North Woods Advertising in Minnesota, and shot in St. Paul using union actors, Hanson said.
North Woods in 2003 worked with Denver-based Launch Advertising to produce commercials for Hickenlooper's mayoral run. The funky and unforgettable ads featured Hickenlooper in a showdown with a parking meter attendant, trying on clothes to look more mayoral and riding a scooter.
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3:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dhakala writes:
If all that money is not going to doctors, nurses, and others who provide care, then where is it going? Our healthcare system is broken because it is used primarily to make shareholders rich.