Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Former Democratic Party Chairman Dr. Howard Dean has a new book scheduled for release on July 22, 2009 entitled Howard Dean's Prescription for Real Health Care Reform. Here is a synopsis:

Synopsis

Americans have pondered how to reform healthcare since the days of Harry Truman. But for most Americans, little has changed—except that healthcare costs have soared, health insurance companies have grown bigger and more oppressive to both doctors and patients, and today even those Americans who pay dearly for health insurance frequently find that their policies don't adequately cover them when they need their coverage most.

Something has got to give. In his bold new book, Howard Dean—the physician and former governor widely credited for reviving the Democratic Party after the 2004 elections—tells Americans what needs to be done to successfully reform healthcare. One key, he writes, is to offer Americans the option to participate in a public health insurance program, much like Medicare. "America has had 'socialized' medicine since 1964," says Dean. "It's called Medicare; it covers every American over 65, and they are very happy with the program. The rest of America deserves a similar option."

In this straight-talking guide to overcoming today's healthcare crisis, Dean spells out:

• What Obama's healthcare plan is all about
• How other countries handle healthcare
• Which special interests are standing in the way of progress and why
• How healthcare reform will help American businesses prosper
• Why Americans need choice—between private and public health insurance coverage

Millions of Americans lack health insurance; millions more pay for coverage that doesn't protect them from serious illness; and the status quo leaves Americans at the mercy of corporate interests. This persuasive argument from a passionate political strategist shows Americans how to take back the healthcare reins.

In the meantime, Dr. Dean has been hitting all of the political talk shows hard campaigning for the public health insurance option. Last night Dr. Dean was on 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann' for Monday, June 22 (emphasis mine):

OLBERMANN: If the second poll in a week shows public support for the tandem of public and private health care options nearing three quarters support from all Americans, and a key Democratic senator says she is not sure if her Democratic colleagues will support it, in our third story of the COUNTDOWN, the natural solution here, get new senators.

The new CBS News/”New York Times” poll shows 72 percent of Americans say they want a choice between a government run plan and private one, and that 57 percent are even willing to pay more taxes to get it. The poll also shows Americans trust the government more than private insurers.  Half say Washington would do a better job at providing coverage; 59 percent saying it would be better at holding down costs.

Yet, this weekend Senator Dianne Feinstein called cost control such a problem that the president, even though Democrats have the numbers, may not have the votes.  So today, Mr. Obama began putting pressure on the nay-sayers, bringing back his own campaign slogan, yes we can. He today pulled in AARP CEO Barry Rand to announce a deal with U.S. drug companies to cut prescription drug costs for the elderly, called the agreement a significant breakthrough on the road to health care reform.

And this week, the president begins his pitch to the people, which includes a news conference tomorrow, and a town hall meeting on Wednesday. Let‘s turn now to former governor of Vermont, former DNC chair, and author of “Howard Dean‘s Prescription For Real Health Care Reform,” Governor Howard Dean. Thank you for your time.

HOWARD DEAN, FMR. GOV. OF VERMONT: Thanks for having me on, Keith.

(Continued below the fold with video).

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