Political Combat and Language

By revealing their anger and frustration, [Speaker of the House Nancy] Pelosi and [House Majority Leader Steny] Hoyer’s op-ed speaks to the fact that Democrats have already failed. And it shows that Democrats must start speaking clearly and honestly amongst themselves if they are to win over the American public.

That’s Marta Mossburg, of the Maryland Public Policy Institute, on the use of language in the current debate on health care policy.

Some of the key phrases favored by those supporting the Democratic bill include “public option,” “healthy competition,” “affordable coverage” and “revenue neutral.” Using them makes it seem as if the trillion dollar bill floating through Congress is indeed “health insurance reform” – the newly favored descriptor by Democrats for H.R. 3200, and not “health care reform” – which more accurately describes the massive overhaul to the American health system outlined by the 1000-page bill.

Cross-posted from State House Call.

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