Complicated Subjects Made Simple

Now, about O.J. Simpson...
HA! Made you look.

So...when you were in school, did the other kids call you a nerd? Did you wear that moniker proudly, or not?

I was a nerd, but in my day they called it something else. "Wonk," was it? "Big brain"? I don't remember... Anyway, it wasn't especially flattering -- or derogatory for that matter -- but, either way, I didn't care.

Then, as now, I like complicated subjects, and I like to help other people make sense of them...and I appreciate people who can make sense to me.

...Which is lucky because healthcare reform was our topic this morning. Is there any question that this is of great concern to many Americans? 47 million people are without health care, millions more worry that they are one job loss away from being uninsured. Still, others worry that the push to extend coverage to all will diminish choices and quality for most. So, the fact that this issue is once again at the forefront of political debate is welcome news to many people, and a source of anxiety to others. How to make sense of it all?

In 12 minutes, thank you very much.

These days the media, in general -- and the broadcast media, in particular -- are often criticized for being more concerned about the horse-race aspect of politics and less about the substance. We, needless to say, are doing our best not to fulfill that critique. But we also have an obligation to keep things interesting, too. I mean, who are we kidding? You're listening to us while you're driving to, or from, work...or, while driving the kids to, or from, school. Maybe you're listening to us on the train or treadmill, or maybe you're painting houses...or doing paperwork. My point is: you don't need us to put you to sleep.

So, we invited our own Julie Rovner, who covers health policy for NPR, and Dr. William Galston, of Brookings, to talk to us about the latest healthcare proposals being put forward by the Presidential candidates. Previously, they joined us to talk about the Congressional fight over whether to extend a children's health insurance program. We liked how they were able to make it all so digestible.

We plan to stay on this topic. NPR is planning a series of forums on healthcare reform. So, we will bring you as much as we can, whenever we can.

SPEAKING OF HEALTHCARE (OK, maybe not exactly)...

Remember, we're doing eldercare next week. Send your questions, comments and concerns. We think we have a terrific expert to help us. And if she can't get to all your questions...guess what? We'll have her back (as long as she's interesting and makes sense...).

Michel Martin

6:28 PM ET | 09-19-2007 | permalink

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6:28 PM ET | 09-19-2007 | permalink