Healthcare debate gives Internet advertising a huge shot in the arm

latimes.com ^ | September 4, 2009 | Peter Wallsten

[Berlin_Freeper]

Interest groups on both sides of the issue are buying ads linked to popular Google search terms. Type in "death panels," and you're likely to see an ad by Obama's team debunking the claim.

Reporting from Washington - Liberals were disgusted when Sarah Palin warned that President Obama wanted "death panels" in his healthcare overhaul. They called it a deliberate deception and a despicable tactic.

But the term went viral. And now two groups that favor the legislation, including Obama's own grass-roots organizing network, are trying to turn the phrase to their benefit.

Search Google for "death panels," and often an ad headlined "Death Panel Myth" will appear. It directs users to a "Setting the Record Straight" page on the barackobama.com website that rebuts the claim that government panels would decide which patients could get lifesaving care.

Search for "euthanasia" or "section 1233" -- a provision of one health bill that is a focus of conservative attacks -- and an ad appears from the liberal group MoveOn.org. It links to a page that addresses "five healthcare reform lies" from opponents of Obama's plan.

Internet advertising has been growing for years. But the healthcare fight, which has erupted in confrontational town hall meetings over the summer, has generated more Internet ad buying than any public policy debate so far.

[Question Liberal Authority]

Is this another editorial disguised as a 'news' story where the 'reporter' spends his whole time 'researching' by typing phrases into Google?

Does the 'reporter' get paid? If so, how can I get a job like that?