New York Post
by CHARLES HURT, Post Correspondent
October 6, 2009
WASHINGTON — President Obama yesterday rolled out the red carpet — and handed out doctors’ white coats as well, just so nobody missed his hard-sell health-care message.
In a heavy-handed attempt at reviving support for health-care reform, the White House orchestrated a massive photo op to buttress its claim that front-line physicians support Obama.
PHOTOS: OBAMA’S BOTCHED PHOTO OP
OBAMA LIFTS HEALTH CARE ADDRESS — FROM HIMSELF
A sea of 150 white-coated doctors, all enthusiastically supportive of the president and representing all 50 states, looked as if they were at a costume party as they posed in the Rose Garden before hearing Obama’s pitch for the Democratic overhaul bills moving through Congress.
The physicians, all invited guests, were told to bring their white lab coats to make sure that TV cameras captured the image.
But some docs apparently forgot, failing to meet the White House dress code by showing up in business suits or dresses.
So the White House rustled up white coats for them and handed them to the suited physicians who had taken seats in the sun-splashed lawn area.
All this to provide a visual counter to complaints from other doctors that pending legislation is bad news for the medical profession.
“Nobody has more credibility with the American people on this issue than you do,” Obama told his guests…
…The president told the doctors that if they back him, “I’m confident we are going to get health reform passed this year.”
The Republican National Committee shot back with a response from Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), who was an orthopedic surgeon before being elected to Congress.
“Today, the president wants you to believe that the medical community supports his government takeover of health care. Don’t be fooled,” Price said.
He said he had spoken to “thousands of my colleagues” who oppose the Democrats’ legislation…
More at the New York Post.
