Obama's Health Care Plan to help John McCain stay alive

For the past few weeks, Barack Obama has benefitted in the polls by talking about the economy. Today his campaign announced on a conference call with reporters that it was moving into a new phase, and will be focusing on health care.

The term “universal health care” has long been radioactive as many conservatives point to the questionably successful socialized care in Canada. But, shaping the dialogue, the Obama campaign says that while Obama plans to build on the system we have, it is McCain who is going out on a limb, describing his health care plan as “radical” and one meant to “restructure health care in America.”

“The point of John McCain’s plan is to drive you out of the insurance you have through your employer and out into the marketplace,” a health care advisor explained. Under McCain’s plan, Obama advisors warn that at least 20 million people will be be forced to abandon their employer based coverage and delve into the individual market.

While McCain offers a $5,000 tax credit for this, the Obama camp says it’s really a “bait and switch.” Obama’s advisors say because private plans cost more than employer based plans, $5,000 just won’t cover it.

And that’s not all. The Obama camp claims to pay for that $5,000 credit, McCain and Sarah Palin will tax people’s health benefit “for the first time in history.” They explained, “Someone who’s earning $40,000 and receives a $10,000 plan from their employer will be taxed at $50,000.”

Essentially a tax increase that “millions and millions” of Americans will face, Obama’s team explained.

Democrats say they are the safe pick, but also boasted to have “the most aggressive plan to make the health care system work for people of anyone who has ever run for president.”

Part of that aggressive plan will include ensuring those with preexisting conditions - like John McCain - will have coverage. “Senator McCain would have a very difficult time under his own plan given his status,” an advisor told reporters.