Health Care Summit: Truly the Right Path for Obama?

If the Obama brand had a product, it would be healthcare, just as Apple has the iPod. Why does Apple have a 74 percent share of the MP3 market? The tech giant developed a simple, easy-to-use, desirable, MP3 player into a market of clunky, difficult-to-use devices. Initially, the iPod appealed to trendsetters. Then, distinctive white ear-buds began popping up on the NYC subway more and more everyday. If Obama wants majority support for the healthcare bill he needs to take a lesson from Apple’s playbook: 1) simplify the product and 2) gain influencer support.

As is, the healthcare bill is tremendously complex. The “death panel” issue last summer illustrates the confusion about Obama’s healthcare and today’s summit will do little to clarify anything. In fact, the partisanship in Washington could only confuse Obama’s healthcare — consequently diluting any clarity on healthcare legislation.

Secondly, Obama needs the support of influencers to spread the message of healthcare reform to their tribes. He needs to stretch beyond Democrats to gain support independents and independent influencers. Imagine if Obama aligned support from renowned scientists, healthcare leaders, financial gurus such as Warren Buffet. With true experts and influentials in his corner, Obama could increase his chances of getting a meaningful healthcare bill through Congress.

By simplifying the product and appealing to influencers, Obama could build grass roots support for healthcare reform (does this remind you of his success in campaign?). If Obama has overwhelming support for healthcare legilsation from constituencies, a meaningful bill will be passed. If Obama cannot simplify the product (i.e. healthcare reform) nor appeal to independent influencers, there is not an end in sight.

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