Bob Bly Direct Response Copywriter Official Banner

Obama Never Asked Me, But….

August 19th, 2009 by Bob Bly

A CNN.com poll today shows that 74% of Americans are confused about the Obama Administration’s health plan, and only one out of four feels well-informed about the health plan.

President Obama doesn’t read this blog and isn’t asking my advice. But if I were in the White House, here’s what I’d do immediately:

1–Distill a summary of the health plan down to 5 key points that can fit on two sides (preferably one side) of an 8 1/2 X 11-inch sheet of paper.

(Yes, I know that health care is complex. But just give the 5 most imporant points.)

2–Call a press conference and have the President explain these 5 points in a talk lasting no longer than 10 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of Q&A from the press.

3–During the press conference, announce a site — with a short, easy-to-remember URL — where people can go to download the 5-point abridged health care plan summary document.

4–Create a more detailed white paper of no more than 10 pages and have that available on the site as well.

Winston Churchill used to insist his staff write memos, even on complex subjects, restricted to one side of a sheet of paper.

If Obama can do this for health care, and perhaps you can do this to sell your products or ideas to your market, people would at last get the message and feel better educated — and therefore more comfortable accepting what you are proposing.

A lot of marketers, including me, use white papers of 10 pages or longer. Perhaps we need to start creating 5-point one page summaries to support our products, services, organizations, causes, and ideas, too.

For instance, if you are selling SEO services to an unsophisticated small business market that has heard about search engine marketing but doesn’t really get it, what about doing a one-sheet “5 Reasons Why You Should do SEO — NOW”?

What do you think? I am going to start implementing this idea soon. Will you give it a try?

Share

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 11:29 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

46 responses about “Obama Never Asked Me, But….”

  1. Kelja said:

    You are right on with this advice, whether to an internet marketeer or the president of the United States. Keep it pithy.

    Expect those who frequent this website to listen but not the administration. Obama isn’t any good at clarifying or keeping it concise and understandable. If he were, his health initiative wouldn’t be creating the storm of controversy it has – as you point out, 74% of us are confused about what it’s all about!

  2. Greg said:

    I think you ask the impossible.

    First, government does not work that way. It is too simple. Read a Supreme Court decision some time.

    Second, government does not want to work that way, because simplicity invites accountability. “Nuance” allows a rhetorical retreat if necessary.

    Third, if the people really knew what was being proposed, almost nothing would get done. Can you imagaine TARP and the Stimulus bill simplified in that way.

    Fourth, the arguments over the key points to include and distribute to the public would likely take until the next Congressional elections.

  3. Ken Norkin - Freelance Copywriter said:

    Bob:

    I agree to some extent that the President should do a better job of communicating the main selling points of his plan. But his failure to communicate is not the entire reason that people are confused about the health care proposal or believe outright false things about it.

    A big part of the blame goes to people’s own choice of information sources – media. I apologize for being the one who interjects right vs left into this conversation, but you opened the door by posting on a political topic.

    Here’s how the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday on a new NBC poll:

    “Nearly half of Americans believe that a proposed overhaul of the health care system means the government will decide when to stop providing medical treatment to senior citizens, according to the latest polling by NBC News released this evening.

    “Some 45% said they believe the plan is likely to include such a provision that has become known as “death panels” despite bipartisan efforts by President Barack Obama and the provision’s author, Republican Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson to dispel the idea.

    “…a majority of Americans (55%) believe the bill will extend health insurance coverage to illegal immigrants even though no proposals currently under negotiation would do so. An equally high number (54%) believe the overhaul will lead to a “complete” government takeover of the health care system, although there is also no actual proposal for that, either.”

    That’s bad enough. But as reported on MSNBC: “In our poll, 72% of self-identified FOX News viewers believe the health-care plan will give coverage to illegal immigrants, 79% of them say it will lead to a government takeover, 69% think that it will use taxpayer dollars to pay for abortions, and 75% believe that it will allow the government to make decisions about when to stop providing care for the elderly…”

    Of course, people who get their news from MSNBC, CNN and the big three networks also misunderstod the provisions by large numbers … but below FOX and below the survey as a whole.

    My point is the President’s good communication cannot overcome the impact of certain media committed to misrepresent anything coming out of this administration and the sizable portion of the population who are letting themselves be scared by that media, who are determined not to believe the President, or who don’t really care about the truth.

    As President Obama himself said at one of the town halls: “I got a letter the other day from a woman. She said, ‘I don’t want government-run health care. I don’t want socialized medicine. And don’t touch my Medicare.'”

    Enough said.

  4. Kyle Tully | Internet Marketing Consultant said:

    Hey Bob

    From a marketing perspective you’re spot on.

    Short (1-3 page) white papers are an excellent tool for getting a core message across.

    Though I can’t see it happening from the government in the real world.

    Cheers
    Kyle

  5. Kamil said:

    For the goverment in the KISS works only the last letter…

  6. Bob Bly said:

    Kamil: very clever and funny! 🙂

    Kyle: maybe you are right. But Obama wants to do things differently. If I were press secretary, I would urge him to try this idea….

  7. Lou Wasser said:

    It’s clear the Obama administration has already successfully exploited many techniques of private enterprise. The President’s victory over McCain was, in large part, a “marketing” and, therefore, a financial victory — an immensely clever and effective harnessing of Internet power to raise campaign funds. (Ironic — since Republicans have traditionally been associated, according to American legend, with big business savvy).

    But getting the top job and then getting it done are two completely different species of animal.

    Bob … you’re absolutely right in your suggestions. But I think Greg has put his finger on the problem: it ain’t that simple.

    A proposal or a press release from the administration is part of the old American checks and balances gambit. Let’s run this by Congress and see how they react. We can always back pedal on this or that issue if we have to.

    It’s not as simple as when the marketing department of a business states a URL or issues a press release. In that instance,everyone knows, despite initial disagreement, that the endgame is profit. Profit — clear and simple.

    But in government (at least in a democracy) the values of different sectors and interest groups come in to play, and ultimately (for good or bad) muddy the waters until a bill gets passed, or something gets done.

    While crisp memos, clearly stated URLs and overall improved communication will help a bit,
    the differences between government and private enterprise are huge.

  8. Ken Norkin - Freelance Copywriter said:

    Please visit the White House’s Health Insurance Reform Reality Check Web page — http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/ — to see how clearly and directly the administration is addressing and debunking every myth and lie being spread about health care reform.

    “There is no panel to decide end of life care.” “Reform will expand your choices, not limit them.” “Reform will eliminate insurance discrimination against the disabled.” These are just a few of the dozen or so short, clear, headlines above short one-paragraph explanations that lead to short videos in which Administration people clearly state the truth.

    The information is there in short, digestible, takes for people who want to expose themselves to it.

    Again: The more serious communication problem is the number of people who would rather let FOX, Rush and Sean tell them what the President is saying and doing rather than go to the White House Web site and hear it for themselves from the source.

  9. Lou Wasser said:

    Ken:

    Your point for the examples you cite at the URL you offer is inarguable. Each argument by the Whitehouse clearly and succinctly refutes yet another piece of nonsense propagated by a vocal group of nut cases and fueled by the media.

    My point though is that the communication issue doesn’t speak to the entire problem. For instance, the Obama Administration did in fact back pedal once it determined that a bill for a public insurance option — as opposed to insurance cooperatives — might have trouble passing in Congress.

    The website does address Obama’s overwhelming desire to reform health care. But the President himself has admitted that he hasn’t refined all the details. To me that’s a courageous rather than a weak admission. Still, communication is more difficult — but not impossible — when the plan is being tested, refined and run up the flagpole.

    Incidentally, in my posting above (no. 7), I meant to write USP instead of URL.

  10. Obama Never Asked Me, But…. - bly.com blog - bly.com direct … « Marketing Direct said:

    […] R­ea­d mo­­r­e f­r­o­­m t­he o­­r­ig­ina­l so­­ur­ce: O­ba­m­a­ Never A­sked­ M­e, Bu­t…. – bl­y.co­m&… […]

  11. Obama Never Asked Me, But…. - Health Articles A to Z said:

    […] More:  Obama Never Asked Me, But…. […]

  12. Obama Never Asked Me, But. - bly.com blog - bly.com direct … | Senior Lives said:

    […] Another decent blogger created an interesting post today on Obama Never Asked Me, But. – bly.com blog – bly.com direct …Here’s a short outlineUpholstery- for wheelchairs must withstand daily use in all kinds of weather. Given all the considerations, portable wheelchair lift can make this world jacket, men’s deluxe leather chaps, men’s defiance leather vest, different. Evaluating A Wheel Chair Accessory Bad weather is no impediment to also get wheelchair chaps, which cover your legs in wet weather and protect you. more Personal Weather Protection Includes wheelchair umbrellas, joystick covers, and chaps. for people who use scooters, wheelchairs and walkers. wheelchair accessible van transports visitors to the staging. Weather chaps are another type of protection that is aimed at keeping your Weather chaps are fleece lined on the inside and use water resistant plastic or. hosiery from knee, thigh high, waist chaps, open toe and closed toe are. Power Wheelchairs at low or no cost, free delivery, free training & setup. Learn how the National Weather Service monitors river levels, snow levels. The four […] […]

  13. Dianna Huff said:

    Bob,

    When Mitt Romney was governor of Mass, and the ceiling fell down in the tunnel — killing a woman — he held press conferences where he used drawings to explain why exactly the ceiling panels had come loose.

    He obviously did his homework — he talked about the bolts, the glue, the panels, etc. — and he used plain English.

    He also walked the tunnels and even got into the crawl spaces.

    Suffice to say, he took charge of a very HOT situation and the press and everyone else listened to him.

  14. Ronak Shah said:

    Hi Bob,

    I think you can contact the president himself on his linkedin profile.

    He’s on linkedin. give it a try.

    He’ll love it.

    Thanks.

    Warm Regards,
    Ronak Shah

  15. Lynne Gordon said:

    I LIKE IT! GREAT IDEA!

    With your permission, I will feature this article on my next blog.

    You and CNN say that 74% of Americans are confused…I believe that number could realistically be MUCH higher.

    But those that love Obama will try to love everything he does (and might bring civil action against me for not capitalizing his entire name as a Proper [proper] noun).

    While strangely enough, those who absolutely hate having the son of an ex-slave in the highest office of the land…are probably the ones who will benefit most from a national health plan.

    But the hate that consumes them will not allow them to see any good in anything that comes from a black face.

    Lynne Gordon, 100 Percent Health

  16. Obama Never Asked Me, But. - bly.com blog - bly.com direct … | Elderly Quicken said:

    […] A nice web master added an interesting post today on Obama Never Asked Me, But. – bly.com blog – bly.com direct …Here’s a small readingDiestco Mid-Range Seatback Bag- B1117 47.04. something even Mercedes Benz cannot claim in its mid-range models. Diestco Mid-Range Seatback Bag on sale- 44. Mid/low-range 6.5-inch dual thickness polypropylene-cone speakers are positioned. Double Jogging Stroller is a mid-range jogging stroller in InSTEP’s affordable Skip Hop City Chic diaper bag 149.99. 1.3 L- 5 speed manual, power steering, without air bag. Mid-Range Seatback Bag (B1117) on sale- 44. Scooter Accessories On The Move We have a variety of items such as cup holders, cane/crutch holders, bags, Mid-Range Seatback Bag. exhaust valves help the 3.2 liter 24-valve powerplant improve mid-range torque This Acura exclusive side air bag system was engineered to reduce the potential. Furniture-Bedroom, Living Room Seat/Back Material. Mid-range integrated into the seat back to determine the. Diestco Mid-Range Seatback Bag (B1117) Write a. Seatback Bags for Wheelchair, Powerchair and Mobility Scooter Side Access Wheelchair Seatback Bag- B1112. Medline Strider MIDI 3 Wheel Mobility Scooter- […] […]

  17. What did Winston Churchill do for SEO and Internet Marketing? | Unforgettable Name said:

    […] Obama Never Asked Me, But…. – bly.com blog – bly.com direct … […]

  18. Furniture Manufacturers from China said:

    Furniture Manufacturers Directory provides info on furniture products and manufacturers that export worldwide. Offers a wide range of furniture that furnishes the living room, dining room, bedroom, and office. Also features the outdoor furniture.

  19. Reliance Power Transfer Switch Blog said:

    Mid Range Seatback Bag…

    […] uld do a better job of communicating the main selling points of his plan. But hi […]…

  20. alexander Group kc said:

    alexander Group kc…

    […]Obama Never Asked Me, But…. – bly.com blog – bly.com direct marketing blog[…]…

  21. Oniell said:

    I leave a response when I like reading an article on a website or if I have a little something of benefit to bring towards the discussion. And on this document I was seriously moved enough to leave a remark 😉 I have got certain basic questions for you if it’s allright?. Could it be simply me or do some of these comments come across as coming from brain dead folks? 😛 And, if you are posting on additional sites, I would like to keep up with anything fresh you have to post. Could you list every one of your community pages like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile? Thanks!

  22. Compare Top Scooters for Kids said:

    Heya cool site! Guy. Superb. Remarkable. Let me take note of your website and also take the for likewise? I am satisfied to uncover countless helpful information here inside publish, we want work out extra techniques within this regard, thank you for expressing.

  23. Valutazione oro Palermo said:

    I want to express some thanks to you just for rescuing me from this type of problem. Right after exploring throughout the internet and getting thoughts which are not beneficial, I thought my entire life was over. Being alive devoid of the approaches to the issues you have sorted out by means of the blog post is a critical case, as well as those which might have adversely affected my career if I had not discovered your web page. The natural talent and kindness in maneuvering all the details was crucial. I am not sure what I would’ve done if I hadn’t come upon such a step like this. I can at this moment relish my future. Thanks for your time so much for the reliable and sensible help. I will not think twice to propose the sites to any individual who wants and needs recommendations on this topic.

  24. BroJee said:

    You are right on with this advice, whether to an internet marketeer or the president of the United States. Keep it pithy.

    Expect those who frequent this website to listen but not the administration. Obama isn’t any good at clarifying or keeping it concise and understandable. If he were, his health initiative wouldn’t be creating the storm of controversy it has – as you point out, 74% of us are confused about what it’s all about!

    Best SEO Company in Bhopal

  25. Gabriel said:

    Canadian-American former professional ice hockey player Mario Lemieux is considered as one of the greatest players of all time. He is also famous with nickname “The Magnificent One” or Le Magnifique, “Super Mario”. Mario Lemieux is the only man to have his name on the Cup as both a player and an owner.

  26. Dora said:

    We deal in a different printed pouch such as Food packaging, pet food bag, coffee bean packaging, washing or laundry detergent bags and retort pouches. We guarantee you a provide high quality of designing and customized packaging pouch.pet food bags manufacturers

  27. One Dasty said:

    Bringing home a new puppy is a wonderful experience involving the whole family, which is why we begin training early to ease the transition to their new home and family. Owning amount of support, we assist in the preparations to make it less stressful. To provide a completely different environment for our puppies, we thoroughly researched and make sure this puppies will only go to respectable families
    https://pugslandbreeder.company.com

  28. robert said:

    https://savannahbengal.company.com/

  29. Rene L. Woo said:

    Keep it up!

  30. Rene L. Woo said:

    If you like the plan you have, you can keep it. If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. The only change you’ll see are falling costs as our reforms take hold.” That was President Barack Obama on Tuesday night and also check https://www.bestessays.com/ services if you need quality work. Americans seemed to believe him and backed his reform bid by electing him president.

  31. chinawpc said:

    This is a really awesome and helpful article for me. I really appreciate your work for providing such useful information, thank you so much! wpc door suppliers

  32. 2 player games said:

    There is a lot of extremely fascinating information shared here. Explore our collection of the most popular online 2 player games. All games are available in all web browsers.

  33. DAVIN RUNOLFSSON said:

    Thanks for sharing all this information in blog and really loved this blog . I wrote a blog for stainless steel gas pizza oven please check it out .

  34. Adriel nicolas said:

    Top Gun Jacket is on trend right Now a new movie has come whose name is Maverick, has used this jacket which gives killer look So buy this now from Slim Fit Leather Jacket and enjoy 20% off use coupon code GET20

  35. Alexpeter said:

    The Career Coach is Europe’s top career coaching consultancy – and has helped more than 10,000 people land their dream jobs, all in less than 40 days.

  36. HazelJames said:

    Website development Ireland and Dublin that offers a complete digital solution for taking your business online. Our Award Winning Agency not only devises strategies for your brand, but we own it like our own.

  37. shaypari said:

    advance fitness by Bilal Brothers, established in 1979, is the leader in exercise, fitness, gymnasium and indoor sport equipment all over Pakistan. We work only with the world’s top brands and are proud to serve our customers with top-notch after sales service.

  38. Mike Rooney said:

    This is such awesome content i got to read after lot of time. Its so interesting as well as informative. I am sure everyone who read it got a lot to learn from it.Yellowstone rip jacket

  39. https://tododok.com said:

    I was usually curious about https://tododok.com, but thanks to you, I got some good information. If you have any questions in the future, we will visit you frequently to obtain information. I look forward to more information.

  40. iHost VPS said:

    Our cheapest Linux VPS hosting plans offer an economical yet robust solution for your hosting needs. With a focus on affordability, you’ll still enjoy dedicated resources and reliable performance. Experience the power of Linux-based hosting without straining your budget.

  41. We Buy Dead Stocks.. said:

    When it comes to scrap buyers in Sharjah, We Buy Dead Stocks stands out as the preferred choice. We are committed to promoting responsible recycling and offer fair pricing for your surplus materials. Join our community of sellers and contribute to a more sustainable future while maximising your returns.

  42. iHost VPS said:

    Best Cheap VPS Hosting refers to top-tier Virtual Private Server hosting services that offer excellent performance, reliability, and features at an affordable price point. VPS hosting is a suitable choice for businesses or individuals who require more control and resources than shared hosting but don’t want to invest in a dedicated server.

  43. We Sell Dead Lots.. said:

    Explore a comprehensive selection of top-notch used breakers for sale in UAE, exclusively at We Sell Dead Lots. As the leading dead stock sellers in the region, we offer an unparalleled variety of reliable equipment to enhance your industrial operations. Elevate your business with quality products from a trusted source, tailored to meet the demands of the UAE’s dynamic market.

  44. CAvpshost said:

    With CaVPS Host’s Remote Desktop VPS, experience an exceptional level of remote access and control over your virtual server. Our services are designed to facilitate seamless connections, enabling you to manage your server resources efficiently. Enjoy a secure and user-friendly experience for all your computing needs.

  45. Tiptop-Einrichtung said:

    An Elektrische Kosmetikliege is an electric cosmetic bed or treatment table used in beauty salons and spas. The electric functionality allows for easy adjustment of the bed’s height and incline, making it suitable for various beauty and cosmetic procedures.

  46. Baby Box said:

    Celebrate the upcoming arrival of a precious little one with our range of unisex baby shower gifts. These thoughtful presents are perfect for baby showers where the gender of the baby is not revealed or for families who prefer gender-neutral options. Show your excitement and love with a gift that will make the baby shower even more special.

Leave a Reply