• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Senator John Breaux Hosts Presidential Press Secretaries Fleischer and McCurry Seeking 'Common Ground' on Health Reform Messages for White House and the Hill

Posted on: Monday, 24 July 2006, 12:00 CDT

WASHINGTON, July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, as part of his Ceasefire on Health Care campaign, former Senator John Breaux moderated a discussion between former White House Press Secretaries Ari Fleischer and Mike McCurry seeking "common ground" messages that will impact the reform of the nation's health care system. The two former White House spokesmen offered insight on developing reform approaches that can be communicated effectively to the public, the White House and Capitol Hill. Today's forum is the latest event in a series of health care reform discussions designed to identify areas of common ground between the political parties.

"This is a unique opportunity to bring together former press secretaries Ari Fleischer and Mike McCurry for a Ceasefire on Health Care forum," said Breaux. "As the knowledgeable voices of President George W. Bush and former President Bill Clinton, they know the issues, understand the political process, and provide unparalleled expertise in communications. They also know the American public and what will move them towards 'common ground' in health care reform. I value their contributions today and their willingness to seek a middle ground between party lines."

"I am pleased to be here today with Senator Breaux and Mike McCurry discussing this important topic," said Fleischer. "There is no question that bipartisanship is crucial in achieving important policy reform and there are certainly messages that will facilitate this goal. Senator John Breaux is to be commended for his tireless efforts in bringing together those with divergent views and establishing a baseline of common ground."

"The need for health care reform is real and immediate," said McCurry. "The number of Americans without health insurance continues to grow and it is imperative that we effectively address these issues with clear bipartisan messages. I am happy to assist Senator Breaux in his efforts with Ceasefire on Health Care and appreciate his willingness to champion this important undertaking."

Today's event, as well as previous Ceasefire events, was sponsored by American University's Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies (CCPS). Professor James A. Thurber, director of CCPS said, "Senator Breaux has demonstrated his commitment to improving the nation's health care policies and eliminate the usual rhetoric surrounding the issue. We are pleased to sponsor this campaign."

Previous Ceasefire bipartisan forums have featured Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and former Speaker Newt Gingrich; Former HHS Secretaries Tommy Thompson and Donna Shalala; Former Senators Tom Daschle (D-SD) and Don Nickles (R-OK); Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR); Congressman Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Joe Schwarz (R-MI); Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Congressman David Scott (D-GA 13th); Republican pollster Bill McInturff and Democratic pollster Geoff Garin; and Brookings Institution scholar Henry J. Aaron, Ph. D., and Heritage Foundation scholar Stuart M. Butler, Ph. D.

The Ceasefire on Health Care series is made possible by Pfizer Inc.

To download podcasts from the Ceasefire on Health Care campaign or for more information, please visit http://www.ceasefireonhealthcare.org/.

Ceasefire on Health Care Campaign

CONTACT: Claire Barnard of the Ceasefire on Health Care Campaign,+1-202-262-4708

Web site: http://www.ceasefireonhealthcare.org/

Source: PRNewswire

More News in this Category