Our president, Tracy Weise, was recently quoted in an article on the HealthLeaders Media Web site. The article was focused on answering the question, “Is there a healthcare reform ad that will resonate with the public?” We encourage you to read the full article here.
Harry and Louise are iconic figures in the world of healthcare policy advertising. These two actors have played numerous roles in policy ads for more than a decade. Most notoriously, they helped derail the healthcare system overhaul proposed under Bill Clinton. And now they are back, but with a different message. This time Harry and Louis are pushing a message promoting the healthcare overhaul proposed by President Obama.
This situation brings up mixed emotions in me. From an advertising point of view, the fact that the two same actors, still in their same roles, continue to be advocates for or against a healthcare issue is fascinating, especially since they have a different message this time.
But will it matter? Does anyone care that these same two paid actors are still talking about healthcare reform, albeit with a different message? Will we listen to them again?
The ads, sponsored by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, debuted this past weekend at the same time news reports came trickling out with dissension among politicians. It remains to be seen what will happen, but I am skeptical Harry and Louise’ message will be heard as loudly as it did in the past. With the proliferation of online media sources, I wonder if the ads will have the same effect this time around.
To be honest, I don’t like the Harry and Louise ads. I didn’t like the ones that ran against the healthcare reform measures in 1993 and 1994 either. While the message is different, in both instances the ads are clearly short on facts, substance and consequences. Of course, such is the way of political and policy advertising. And while I strongly support and believe the benefits of both advertising and public relations, I am hoping that through public relations we can get better information on the healthcare reform topic than the Harry and Louise ads are providing.
What do you think? Do Harry and Louise still wield influence?
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