Breaking the Bank?
(Video) Did Democrats lowball price tag of health care reform? Full Story »
Posted by Kaizar CampwalaReview
Opinion news story by Fox anchor Shepard Smith about recent developments in the health care debate. This short 5 minute video segment starts with a generally factual update, then goes on to accuse democrats of lowballing health care cost estimates. It then features an interview with Wyoming Republican senator John Barrasso, asking him how we can keep costs down without a public option. Given Fox's usual right-wing stance, I was pleasantly surprised to hear Smith rebuke Barrasso for presenting the public option as a government takeover. Still, this opinion news format only features a single source and lacks depth, making it a weak substitute for quality journalism on this complex issue.
As health care costs have gone up, insurance industry profits have gone up 300% and the industry has contributed to politicians on both sides of the aisle. … We the people are getting the shaft. A vote for against the public option is a vote for the insurance companies. How do we keep costs down without a public option?
Fox anchor Shepard Smith
While I usually find opinion news shows like this one counterproductive, I was impressed by Shepard Smith's open-minded approach towards the public option, even though that program is usually opposed by his colleagues on the Fox News network.