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Politics and a Pragmatic Paradigm for Health Reform, Part 1
Article

Politics and a Pragmatic Paradigm for Health Reform, Part 1

Strengthening Health

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In 1991, the political landscape was changed by a teacher from Pennsylvania who ran–and won–by saying, if every prisoner has a lawyer, every American should have a doctor. I remember being one of the sitting senators who made presentations to Senator-elect Harris Wofford in the hopes that he would work with us on our plan. The excitement was palpable–and optimism was high. I don’t think a freshman senator has gotten that kind of attention from his colleagues since. And it helped set the stage for the presidential election and debate over health reform in 1993 and 1994.

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Authors

Tom Daschle

Distinguished Senior Fellow

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Economic Policy

We work to address the deep inequities in our economy to ensure that all Americans can live secure and stable lives.

Health Policy

The Health Policy department advances health coverage, health care access and affordability, public health and equity, social determinants of health, and quality and efficiency in health care payment and delivery.