The language of health care

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June 29, 2009

Frank Luntz has been suggesting language to Republican lawmakers for years. Now in a 28-page memo, Luntz has come up with some recommendations about what words GOP members of Congress should use when talking about health care. For example, Luntz has suggested that conservatives stand up strongly in favor of reform but warn against a "Washington takeover." Frank Luntz joins Larry Mantle to explain the jargon of health care reform.

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AirTalk On The Road

Afghanistan: The Way Forward

More American troops and fewer predator drones? Should the Taliban have a stake in governing the country? And who should intervene in a flourishing opium trade? AirTalk goes on the road to stage our own Afghan summit and you're invited.

The event takes place at the Autry National Center, November 11 at 7pm. RSVP to AirTalk@kpcc.org.

Dr. Frank Luntz, author, communications expert, top Republican consultant on the language of politics. His latest book is "Words that Work: It's Not What You Say That Matters, It's What People Hear" (Hyperion Books, 2007).

Suzanne T. Reading
4 months, 1 week ago

Larry, I think you blew it with Mr. (Dr?) Luntz. I have your show on speed dial on my cell, but never got anything but a busy signal.

Mr. Luntz spoke as though he offered "facts," whereas his specialty appears to be using language in the most strategic, perlocutionary manner - that is, to manipulate listeners to believe what he says.

He does not even try to offer truth (which has a liberal bias).

So, I wonder why Larry gave him sway in the national health coverage discourses. I prefer either a straight analysis of his use (manipulation) of language to meet his preconceived ends, or a straightforward presentation of very real facts.

For example: one caller spoke of his experience in GB and Canada - of quite satisfactorily obtaining health care when he was apparently quite ill. Luntz's response ran to the very emotional example of having to wait 17 MONTHS for a heart transplant in GB. Well, Larry, most of us don't need heart transplants, and perhaps many of those who do would do better to avoid clogged arteries in the first place (i.e. preventative healthful lifestyles). I like you better, Larry, as a critical moderator and interrogator with the journalistic skill to assess the perlocutionary gymnastics of your guests.

The second example, as I unsuccessfully and furtively tried as I was driving to dial up, was Luntz's response to another caller to shift to "illegal aliens," "undocumented workers," or, as he seemed to prefer, lawbreaking Mexicans who drive up the cost of U.S. health care. He claimed "they" pay no taxes. He claimed he's considering moving to California, but is appalled by our state legislature and drives in utter terror on the 405 of one of these uninsured lawbreakers crashing into him.

Could we please move out of the realm of language that successfully produces unthoughtful, knee-jerk reactions based on existing preconceptions inappropriate to a rational democratic society? Larry, you see, this is his specialty - to so tap so that we forget the truths.

Yes, even illegal Mexicans DO PAY TAXES, contrary to Luntz's claim. In California, they pay a disproportionate percentage of their income in sales taxes. Many actually pay employment based income taxes for which they never file for tax returns. See UCSD U.S. Mexican Studies department for more information.

Luntz claimed, he fears auto accidents and our state legislature, in his calculations as to whether to move here. Frankly, I am happy he won't ~ but his claims likely disingenuously also play into other strategic rhetoric.

Truth or strategic manipulation aimed at particular outcomes - that was the issue that you really didn't facilitate.

You missed the ball, Larry. I can complain here only because you are more often much better than this.

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