John Kerry For President | Title: "Healthcare"

WOMAN: “How many African-American adults have no healthcare insurance?”

WOMAN: “One in five. And a million and a half African-American children also have no healthcare coverage.”

WOMAN: “Learn about John Kerry’s plan to expand access to health care to nearly all Americans, especially our children.”

WOMAN: “Get to know John Kerry. He has a lot to do with you. Get to know his plan for the community and the country.”

Access To Health Care Has Improved For Children And Those Without Insurance

Number Of Uninsured Children At “Lowest Level On Record” In 2003. “The percentage of American children with no health insurance has dropped to the lowest level on record because of expanded state programs, the government said … Only 10.1 percent of U.S. children were uninsured last year, the lowest level ever recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1997, 13.9 percent were not covered by health insurance. … Around 2.6 million more children were insured last year than in 1997, the CDC said.” (Daniel Yee, “CDC: Uninsured Children Hits Lowest Level,” The Associated Press, 6/30/04)

Under Bush Administration, 30% More Uninsured And Medically Underserved Individuals Are Receiving Care Through Community Health Centers. “Since 2001, the Bush Administration has increased the number of people served in health centers by almost 30%. When the President took office, there were approximately 3,300 health center sites serving approximately 9.6 million patients, including 4 million uninsured individuals. President Bush recognized the needs of the uninsured and medically underserved communities and promised to open or expand 1,200 health center sites to serve an additional 6.1 million Americans by 2006. By the end of March 2004, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will have opened or expanded 614 health center sites.” (“Fact Sheet: Expanding Access To Health Care For Millions Of Americans,” The White House, 5/25/04)

ü President’s Budgets Are On Track To Fulfill His Promise Of Serving An Additional 6.1 Million Americans Through Community Health Centers By 2006. “The FY 2005 budget proposes an increase of $218 million, to open or expand 330 more health center sites to serve an additional 1.6 million people, leaving approximately 260 more community health center sites to add or expand to meet the President’s goal by 2006.” (“Fact Sheet: Expanding Access To Health Care For Millions Of Americans,” The White House, 5/25/04)

Kerry’s Plan Takes Wrong Approach To Expanding Coverage, Will Do Little To Lower Costs

Kerry’s FEHB-Style Purchasing Pool Would Probably Attract Older, Sicker Individuals But Not Provide Enough Benefit For The Average Uninsured, Low-Income Person To Buy In. “The basic problem with KerryCare is its impracticality. Take his commitment to provide federal employee-style health care to every interested individual or business. Since joining would be voluntary, the odds are that the older and less healthy would be overrepresented in the rolls. Further complicating matters is Kerry’s plan to make the insurance community-rated. This attempt at equity would further attract older, sicker patients (they would get a relatively good price on the insurance), while those typically without insurance – healthy, young men and women with low incomes – would balk at the cost.” (David Gratzer, “From HillaryCare To KerryCare,” The Weekly Standard, 5/24/04)

Kerry’s Plan For Children’s Health Insurance “Is A Compact That Many States May Not Want Or Be Able To Afford.” “Kerry would pay for his more costly plan by eliminating future tax cuts for the top 2 percent of taxpayers and would shift part of the cost of his health-insurance plan from Washington to state capitals, said Sarah Bianchi, national policy director for the Kerry campaign. Bianchi said Kerry would ‘strike a new compact with the states.’ But it is a compact that many states may not want or be able to afford. Kerry would have the federal government pay the full cost of health insurance for the 20 million children enrolled in Medicaid. In return, states would have to agree to expand the coverage of children in families with income up to three times the poverty level, cover their family members if the family’s income is less than twice the poverty level, and assure that very poor adults without children receive health insurance.” (Lawrence M. O’Rourke, “Wide Gulf Between Bush, Kerry Health-Care Plans,” Scripps Howard News Service, 6/28/04)

Kerry’s Catastrophic Reinsurance Pool Will Transfer Costs To Taxpayers Without Promoting More Efficient Spending. “Mr. Kerry would partly take the burden off employers by making government responsible for 75% of the cost of catastrophic cases, those running up more than $50,000 in bills. He says these cases account for nearly 20% of private insurers’ costs. But then what? The cost is just transferred to taxpayers but there’s no injection of efficiency into incentives, no reason to imagine total costs won’t continue to grow wildly.” (Holman W. Jenkins, Jr., Op-Ed, “Faint, Desperate Hope For Health Care Leadership,” The Wall Street Journal, 3/17/04)

ü In Fact, Kerry’s Plan Could Drive Up Health Costs And Premiums Because It Reduces Incentives For Employers To Control Costs. “Having the government take over catastrophic health costs also is a slippery slope that would provide less incentive to employers to manage costs. There would, in fact, be an incentive for employers to get marginally high-cost workers off their rolls and into the federal till as soon as possible. This, in turn, could accelerate health costs and likely increase the premium costs for workers – exactly the opposite of Kerry’s intent.” (Grace-Marie Turner, “The Kerry Plan,” Galen Institute, 3/5/04)

ü Because Kerry Puts Mandates On Businesses In Order To Qualify For Reinsurance Pool, Large Employers With Many Part-Time Workers Probably Would Not Participate. “To qualify, companies would have to institute disease-management programs, which are designed to help reduce the long-term expense of such chronic illnesses as diabetes and heart disease. In addition, employers would have to offer health coverage to all workers, including part-timers. Employers, therefore, would have to weigh the cost of covering all workers against the benefit of the subsidy. Large employers with many part-time workers – such as Wal-Mart, for example – probably would pass, [health policy expert Ken] Thorpe said.” (Marilyn Werber Serafini, “Targeting The ‘Worried Insured,’” National Journal Magazine, 2/7/04)

BusinessWeek Analysis Called Kerry’s Health Care Plan “Complex, Very Costly” And Said “The Biggest Downside To The Kerry Plan Is Its Massive Cost.” (Howard Gleckman, Analysis, “Whose Plan Is Healthier?” BusinessWeek, 5/24/04)

Kerry Opposes Medical Liability Reform That Would Lower Cost Of Health Care And Improve Access

Kerry Opposed Or Voted To Block Medical Liability Reform At Least Ten Times. (H.R. 956, CQ Vote #137: Motion Rejected 39-61: R 10-44; D 29-17; I 0-0, 5/2/95, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #140: Motion Agreed To 65-35: R 24-30; D 41-5, 5/2/95, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #141: Motion Agreed To 56-44: R 13-41; D 43-3, 5/2/95, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #144: Passed 53-47: R 48-6; D 5-41, 5/2/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #151: Motion Rejected 46-53: R 44-10; D 2-43; I 0-0, 5/4/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #152: Motion Rejected 47-52: R 45-9; D 2-43; I 0-0, 5/4/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #160: Motion Agreed To 54-44:: R 46-7; D 8-37, 5/10/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #161: Passed 61-37: R 46-7; D 15-30, 5/10/95, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 1052, CQ Vote #212: Motion Agreed To 52-46: R 2-45; D 49-1; I 1-0, 6/29/01, Kerry Voted Yea; S. 812, CQ Vote #197: Motion Agreed To 57-42: R 6-42; D 50-0; I 1-0, 7/30/02, Kerry Voted Yea)

Kerry Missed Both 2004 Votes, As Well As 2003 Vote, On Medical Liability Reform Legislation. (S. 2061, CQ Vote #15: Motion Rejected 48-45: R 47-3: D 1-41; I 0-1, 2/24/04, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 2207, CQ Vote #66: Motion Rejected 49-48: R 48-3; D 1-44; I 0-1, 4/7/04, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 11, CQ Vote #264: Motion Rejected 49-48: R 49-2; D 0-45; I 0-1, 7/9/03, Kerry Did Not Vote)

ü Medical Liability Reform Could Save Between $60 Billion And $108 Billion In Health Care Costs Annually, Making Health Insurance More Affordable For Millions. “The [medical malpractice] litigation system also imposes large indirect costs on the health care system. Defensive medicine that is caused by unlimited and unpredictable liability awards not only increases patients’ risk but it also adds costs. The leading study estimates that limiting unreasonable awards for non-economic damages could reduce health care costs by 5-9% without adversely affecting quality of care. This would save $60-108 billion in health care costs each year. These savings would lower the cost of health insurance and permit an additional 2.4-4.3 million Americans to obtain insurance.” (“Confronting The New Health Care Crisis: Improving Health Care Quality And Lowering Costs By Fixing Our Medical Liability System,” U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services, 7/25/02)

Kerry Would Repeal Medicare Bill That Is Currently Helping
Millions Of Seniors Get Affordable Prescription Drugs

Kerry: “If I’m President We’re Going To Repeal That Phony [Prescription Drug] Bill.” (Sen. John Kerry, “Ending The Era Of Special Interests,” Remarks In Nashua, NH, 1/21/04)

Kerry Missed 36 Of 38 Votes On Medicare Bill, Including Final Passage Of Senate Version And Conference Report. (H.R.1, CQ Vote #459: Prescription Drug Benefit - Conference Report, Passed 54-44: R 42-9; D 11-35; I 1-0, 11/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #262: Prescription Drug Benefit - Passage, Passed 76-21: R 40-10; D 35-11; I 1-0, 6/27/03; S.1, CQ Vote #261: Prescription Drug Benefit - Means Test, Rejected 38-59: R 3-47; D 35-11; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #260: Prescription Drug Benefit - Alternative Plan, Rejected 21-75: R 20-29; D 1-45; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #259: Prescription Drug Benefit - Retiree Fallback Plan, Rejected 42-54: R 0-49; D 42-4; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #258: Prescription Drug Benefit - Medigap Policies, Rejected 43-55: R 1-50; D 42-4; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #257: Prescription Drug Benefit - Medicaid Coverage, Rejected 47-51: R 5-46; D 42-4; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #256: Prescription Drug Benefit - Immigrant Coverage, Rejected 33-65: R 32-19; D 1-45; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #255: Prescription Drug Benefit - Experimental Drug Coverage, Adopted 71-26: R 50-0; D 20-26; I 1-0, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #254: Prescription Drug Benefit - Premium Reduction, Rejected 39-59: R 0-51; D 39-7; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #253: Prescription Drug Benefit - Additional Disease Treatment, Agreed To 57-41: R 51-0; D 5-41; I 1-0, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #252: Prescription Drug Benefit - Alzheimer’s Subsidy, Adopted 98-0: R 51-0; D 46-0; I 1-0, 6/26/03; CQ Vote #251: Prescription Drug Benefit - Asset Test, Adopted 69-29: R 22-29; D 46-0; I 1-0, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #250: Prescription Drug Benefit - Cancer Patient Coverage, Agreed To 54-44: R 51-0; D 3-43; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #249: Prescription Drug Benefit - Cancer Care, Adopted 97-1: R 50-1; D 46-0; I 1-0, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #248: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Advertisements, Rejected 39-59: R 0-51; D 39-7; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #247: Prescription Drug Benefit - Disability Services, Agreed To 50-48: R 48-3; D 2-44; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #246: Prescription Drug Benefit - Cost-Effectiveness Studies, Rejected 43-52: R 0-48; D 43-3; I 0-1, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #245: Prescription Drug Benefit - Durbin Substitute, Rejected 39-56: R 0-48; D 39-7; I 0-1, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #244: Prescription Drug Benefit - Premium Reduction, Rejected 39-56: R 0-49; D 39-6; I 0-1, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #243: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Advertisements, Rejected 26-69: R 0-49; D 26-19; I 0-1, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #242: Prescription Drug Benefit - Health Centers, Adopted 94-1: R 48-1; D 45-0; I 1-0, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #241: Prescription Drug Benefit - Employer Compensation, Rejected 41-55: R 0-50; D 41-4; I 0-1, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #240: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Cost Coverage, Rejected 41-54: R 0-49; D 41-4; I 0-1, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #239: Prescription Drug Benefit - Benefit Availability, Rejected 41-54: R 1-48; D 40-5; I 0-1, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #238: Prescription Drug Benefit - Two-Year Fallback Plan, Agreed To 51-45: R 48-2; D 2-43; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #237: Prescription Drug Benefit - Congressional Coverage, Adopted 93-3: R 50-0; D 42-3; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #236: Prescription Drug Benefit - Cost Sharing Extension, Agreed To 54-42: R 50-0; D 3-42; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #235: Prescription Drug Benefit - Canadian Price Equity, Agreed To 66-31: R 51-0; D 14-31; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #234: Prescription Drug Benefit - Open Enrollment Period, Agreed To 55-42: R 51-0; D 3-42; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #233: Prescription Drug Benefit - Third-Party Coverage, Agreed To 52-43: R 49-0; D 3-42; I 0-1, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #232: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Importation, Adopted 62-28: R 21-25; D 40-3; I 1-06/20/03; S.1, CQ Vote #230: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Patents, Adopted 94-1: R 50-1; D 43-0; I 1-0, 6/19/03; S.1, CQ Vote #229: Prescription Drug Benefit - Premium Cap, Rejected 39-56: R 0-51; D 39-4; I 0-1, 6/19/03; S.1, CQ Vote #228: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Cost Disclosure, Adopted 95-0: R 51-0; D 43-0; I 1-0, 6/19/03; S.1, CQ Vote #227: Prescription Drug Benefit - Benefit Within Medicare, Rejected 37-58: R 0-51; D 37-6; I 0-1, 6/18/03; H.R.1, CQ Vote #458: Motion Agreed To 61-39: R 49-2; D 11-37; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R.1, CQ Vote #457: Motion Agreed To 70-29: R 47-3; D 22-26; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay)

ü Kerry Was One Of Only Two Senators To Miss Final Vote On Conference Report. Kerry chose to hit campaign trail instead because he felt that voting “was not going to make a difference.” (Sam Hananel, “Kerry, Lieberman Skip Final Medicare Vote To Return To Campaign Trail,” The Associated Press, 11/25/03)

Kerry Twice Voted To Kill Bipartisan Medicare Prescription Drug Bill. Kerry voted against the motion to invoke cloture on the conference report and the motion to waive the Budget Act on budgetary points of order against the conference report. (H.R.1, CQ Vote #457: Motion Agreed To 70-29: R 47-3; D 22-26; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R.1, CQ Vote #458: Motion Agreed To 61-39: R 49-2; D 11-37; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay)

Last Year, President Bush Acted To Bring Millions Of Americans Help With Out-Of-Pocket Medical Expenses. “When the President signed the Medicare reform legislation into law, Americans gained access to health savings accounts. HSAs allow individuals to buy less expensive high-deductible plans and to save pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket medical expenses. In addition to these savings, under a new Administration proposal, individuals participating in HSAs would be allowed to deduct their premiums for the high-deductible insurance plan from their taxable income. HSAs are available to everyone who has a high-deductible plan, which is defined as having an annual deductible of at least $1,000 for individual coverage and at least $2,000 for family coverage. Individuals, their employers, or both can contribute funds up to the amount of the deductible, subject to a cap of $2,600 for individuals and $5,150 for families. The money not spent would stay in the account and earn interest tax-free. People over age 55 can contribute additional money to the account without penalty. These accounts will help more American families get the health care they need at a price they can afford.” (“Budget Of The United States Government, Fiscal Year 2005,” Office Of Management And Budget Website, www.omb.gov, Accessed 4/16/04)

ü Health Savings Accounts Help People Of “All Income Levels And Lifestyles.” “Finally, a tax-advantaged health-care program that cuts across all income levels and lifestyles -- the new Health Savings Accounts. They are a real boon for people who pay for their insurance coverage.” (Eva Rosenberg, “Health Savings Accounts Provide A Break For All,” CBS MarketWatch, 1/15/04)

President Bush Has Urged Congress To Address Rising Health Costs Through Medical Liability Reform. “President Bush is trying to resuscitate a measure to place nationwide caps on medical malpractice awards, a move he has made a centerpiece of his election-year focus on health care. Bush argues that a nationwide ceiling would drive down soaring health care costs and save taxpayers money. … In response, the president was issuing a new appeal for the legislation …” (Scott Lindlaw, “President Pushes Effort To Limit Malpractice Awards,” The Associated Press, 1/26/04)

The President Also Proposed Refundable Tax Credits That Will Make Health Insurance More Affordable To Millions Of Low-Income Americans. “The Administration again proposes a tax credit that will facilitate individuals’ purchase of health insurance and health care. Individuals under age 65 who are not enrolled in public or employer-sponsored health plans would be eligible. The credit would pay for 90 percent of the cost of the premium, up to a maximum of $1,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a family of four. The percentage of the credit would depend on an individual’s income level. The credit would be phased out at $30,000 for an individual and $60,000 for a family. Like the TAA tax credit, the Health Care Tax Credit is refundable and can be paid in advance directly to the health plan.” (“Budget Of The United States Government, Fiscal Year 2005,” Office Of Management And Budget Website, www.omb.gov, Accessed 4/16/04)

Bush Administration Implemented Program To Save Consumers As Much As $3.5 Billion Each Year By Moving Low-Priced Generic Drugs To The Market Faster. “President Bush today announced new regulations to hasten the pace at which generic drugs are brought to market, a measure the administration says will save $3.5 billion annually after it takes effect Aug. 18. … Specifically, the regulations will limit original drugmakers to one 30-month ‘stay’ blocking the entry of generic drugs by filing patent lawsuits. … The FDA also said it will make internal changes, speeding its review procedures to reduce the time it takes for generic drugs to be declared safe. With a $13 million increase in its budget for generic drugs requested by Bush, the FDA aims to reduce its generic drug application process to 17 months from 20 months.” (Dana Milbank, “New Drug Rules Aim To Speed Generics,” The Washington Post, 6/13/03)

Under Medicare Law Signed By President Bush, Millions Of Beneficiaries Are Now Using Drug Discount Cards To Save Up To 18 Percent On Name Brand Drugs And 30-60 Percent On Generics. “Seniors and people with disabilities can begin using their Medicare-approved drug discount cards to garner savings on prescription medicines. … As of the end of May, approximately 2.87 million Medicare beneficiaries have already enrolled in drug cards to do just that. … Analysis by CMS shows that Medicare beneficiaries can expect discounts of up to 18 percent off the average retail prices for name brand drugs and discounts of between 30 and 60 percent on generic drugs. Mail order and Internet discounts through the cards offer savings of up to 24 percent from comparable services.” (U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services, “HHS Secretary Urges Seniors To Sign Up For Discount Cards,” Press Release, 6/1/04)

ü Low-Income Seniors Can Receive $1,200 Credit Over The Next 18 Months That Will Offer Savings Of 30 To 70 Percent On Their Prescription Expenses. “On top of the discounts, low-income beneficiaries can qualify for a $600 credit this year to help pay for their prescription medicines and another $600 in 2005. Any money from the credit not spent this year will carry over into 2005. For millions of low-income beneficiaries, these savings translate to 30 to 70 percent or more reductions in their drug costs.” (U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services, “HHS Secretary Urges Seniors To Sign Up For Discount Cards,” Press Release, 6/1/04)

President Bush Proposed Lowering Health Care Costs By Expanding Electronic Medical Records To Nearly All Americans Within The Next Ten Years. The plan includes:

ü “Adopting Health Information Standards. The President called for the completion and adoption of standards, collaboratively developed with the private sector, that will allow medical information to be stored and shared electronically while assuring privacy and security.”

ü “Doubling Funding to $100 Million for Demonstration Projects on Health Information Technology. To build upon the progress we have already made in the area of health care standardization, the President’s proposed FY 2005 budget includes $100 million for demonstration projects by hospitals and health care providers that will help us test the effectiveness of health information technology and establish best practices for more widespread adoption in the health care industry.”

ü “Fostering The Adoption Of Health Information Technology. As one of the largest buyers of health care, the Federal Government can create incentives and opportunities for health care providers to use electronic records.”

“Creating a New, Sub-Cabinet Level Position of National Health Information Technology Coordinator. The President will charge the National Coordinator with working with government, industry, and experts in the field to help fulfill his vision of a health care system that is patient-centered and that gives patients information they need to make clinical and economic decisions – in consultation with dedicated health care professionals.” (“Innovation Economy Policy Book,” Executive Summary, The White House, 4/26/04)

President Bush Also Has Plan To Curb Rising Health Care Costs By Enabling Small Businesses To Form Purchasing Pools To Negotiate Lower Health Insurance Costs For Their Workers. (“President Bush’s FY 2005 Budget,” Fact Sheet, The White House, 2/2/04)

President’s Budgets Are On Track To Fulfill His Promise Of Serving An Additional 6.1 Million Americans Through Community Health Centers By 2006. “The FY 2005 budget proposes an increase of $218 million, to open or expand 330 more health center sites to serve an additional 1.6 million people, leaving approximately 260 more community health center sites to add or expand to meet the President’s goal by 2006.” (“Fact Sheet: Expanding Access To Health Care For Millions Of Americans,” The White House, 5/25/04)

This is good news?

I forget, which part of the Constitution guarantees the right to health coverage?

I forget, which part of the Constitution guarantees the right to health coverage?

The part that says if the people get lazy and stop paying attention, the politicians can do whatever they want to.

Man: How many John Kerry supporters choose to have jobs?
Woman: Not too many.

Man: Would you believe 1 in 100.
Woman: Who is the hold out?

Man: Some lackey writing bad copy for his ads.
Woman: Figures.

John Kerry: I'm John Kerry and I approve this message until I disapprove this message.

High Pitched Male Voice: Paid for by the American Communist Party.

Still, it sounds like the "Rhetoric" is true. Misleading, perhaps, but undeniably true as far as it goes.

The very simple, 30-second Kerry ads will reach a LOT of fence-sitting (clueless) "moderates" who will never be reached by long, boring recitations of the facts.

So, we can feel good about refuting Kerry's rhetoric with facts, basically just preaching to the choir (telling fellow conservatives how Kerry's rhetoric is misleading). Or, we can counter their simple rhetoric with equally simple facts. That is, unless we have some reason to think there's a large group of "deep thinkers" who are yet undecided and interested in the facts.

OK. So, if he wins, will he USE this high-falutin' national system he brags about, or go pay whoever he wants to be his physician, I wonder? Can you see my mini-Me interpretation here? Hmmmmmm.

Some of kerry's friends listed below:

http://www.cpusa.org/

http://www.dsausa.org/

DSA's "Progressive Caucus" Links below:

http://bernie.house.gov/pc/

http://bernie.house.gov/pc/members.asp

They are the Enemy Within!!!!

Kerry-Edwards Health Care Ad:

Voice: John Kerry is a candidate who knows health is important. That's why he rides his bike every day to keep in shape, because he knows exercise is the best way to prevent health problems, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[Screen shows Kerry riding bike, waving at camera.]

Voice: But sometimes accidents happen.

[Kerry hits bump and goes tumbling over handlebars onto pavement.]

Voice: That's why you need the Kerry-Edwards health care plan.

[Ambulance comes to Kerry's aid. Edwards comes chasing after it.]

Voice: And unlike the Bush health care plan, the Kerry-Edwards health care plan does not discriminate based on sexual preference--everyone is covered equally.

[Edwards administers CPR to the fallen Kerry.]

Kerry: If you care about health care, vote for the Kerry-Edwards health care plan--because you never know when you're going to fall off a bike.

Edwards: Will an ambulance be there to catch you?

[Edwards goes back to admnistering CPR to Kerry.]

Kerry [looking up between smooches]: I'm John Kerry, and I approve!

Voice: Paid for by your tax dollars as funneled through the Tides Foundation.

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