11/30/2013

Michelle Obama advised people to "be persistent" and "start the conversation early" about bringing up political talking points during Thanksgiving conversations

As if it wasn't bad enough that Michael Bloomberg was advising people to talk about gun control during their Thanksgiving dinners, Michelle Obama has made a similar request about 14 different issues.  From the Washington Times:
“As you spend time with loved ones this holiday season, be sure to talk with them about what health care reform can mean to them,” she said, in the email that contained 14 talking points that could be raised. Among [Michelle Obama] touted topics, The Post reported: Talk about the need to sign up for Obamacare. And, ask guests to bring W2 tax forms, or pay stubs, in order to verify income levels. 
Mrs. Obama’s tips are posted on an Internet site operated by Organizingfor Action, called “Health Care for the Holidays.” The goal of the tips, the site says, is to “get the ball rolling” on widespread Obamacare enrollment — a much-needed scenario, given the floundering and failings the government HealthCare.gov site has suffered since it’s October kick-off. 
Some other words of wisdom on the website, The Post reported: “Don’t wait until the last minute — be sure to start the conversation early!” And “Integrate the talk into family time — take advantage of downtime after meals or between holiday activities to start your talk.” And one more: “Find a quiet place to shop” for a new health care policy. And don’t leave out the blunt approach; the site suggests asking family and guests: “When do you plan on signing up?” 
Moreover, the Obamacare push shouldn’t end just because the holiday wraps, the site advises. 
“Don’t forget to follow up,” is one final tip, The Post reported. . . .
The Washington Examiner has the 14 talking points, including "be persistent."
-- PICK A TIME
-- Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute—be sure to start the conversation early!
-- Integrate the talk into family time: Take advantage of downtime after meals or between holiday activities to start your talk.
-- THINK ABOUT HOW YOU’LL BRING IT UP
-- Make it personal: Be honest about your feelings and why this is important to you.
-- Be persistent, but keep it positive: Tell them you care about their health, and focus on the benefits that come from knowing that you have health insurance.
-- CHOOSE A PLACE
-- Get creative: Think about what matters to your family member. Make it memorable!
-- Find a Quiet Place to Shop: You can start your conversation anywhere, but to shop for health coverage, you will want a more quiet, private place to make a phone call or use the internet.
-- CONVERSATION TIPS
-- Start by asking: “Have you thought about signing up for health insurance on the new marketplace?”
-- Offer to walk them through it: “Would you like to take some time with me to sign up right now?”
-- Ask them to make a plan, and commit to it: “When do you plan on signing up?”
-- Don’t forget to follow up: “Have you signed up yet?”
-- WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO COMMUNICATE:
-- Being covered helps you stay healthy and protects you in an emergency.
-- You can find a plan that fits your budget—financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
-- You get to choose the plan that’s right for you.
-- All the health insurance plans on the new marketplace provide free preventive care—including routine checkups, vaccinations and screenings. 

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4 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

I have to wonder how many SWAT deployments Thursday were the result of these " suggestions"?

11/30/2013 5:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And once you're done haranging relatives about Obamacare, you can go back to whatever multi-level marketing scheme you had been trying to sell.

11/30/2013 6:50 PM  
Blogger Patrick Sullivan said...

Of the two, Michelle has always struck me as the more Stalinist personality.

12/01/2013 12:37 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice Affirmative Action!

12/03/2013 7:34 PM  

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