You may have noticed that many of the high traffic progressive blogs are sporting banners paid for by the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. Let me say right off the bat that I think it is terrific that bloggers are getting a cut of all the lobbying largesse that is floating around. I only wish it were spread even further to lower traffic blogs.

Group launches health care offensive

Firing some of the first shots in the coming showdown over health care, a conservative group led by the former owner of the Hospital Corporation of America is beginning a multimillion-dollar campaign Tuesday in opposition to government-run coverage.

Conservatives for Patients Rights is going on TV, radio and the Web in the same week President Barack Obama hosts a health care summit at the White House. The group’s leader, Richard Scott, is hoping a pro-free-market message will rally the right to join the fray on what may be the most hard-fought policy battle in the first year of the new administration.

Health Care Overhaul Still in ‘Happy Talk’ Stage

Phony health care campaign under way

Detroit Families Target Of AHIP Campaign

It was moderated by New York Tunes journalist Dirk Johnson and hosted by the America's Health Insurance Plans' (AHIP) Campaign for an American Solution. Karen Ignagni, president and CEO, will take these stories back with her to Washington.

It is a common practice for journalists to moderate political debates and to preside over community discussions. But this is different; this is Dirk Johnson lending what remains of the NYT's prestige to what is clearly an astroturf stunt. Keep that in mind when you see his byline.