Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
How Bernie's Heart Attack Became A Wake-Up Call For Supporters Rather Than Political Death Knell It Might Have Been
Politico: Why Bernie’s Heart Attack Was Good For Him
Since he was rushed to a Las Vegas hospital in early October, the Vermont senator has flourished in early-state polls, held some of the biggest rallies of any Democratic candidate, and scored the endorsements of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other members of the so-called “Squad.” The curmudgeonly candidate looks happier — sunny, even — on the stump, cracking jokes and sharing personal stories. In an era in which conventional political wisdom has been set ablaze, Sanders has challenged the notion that a major health issue is an automatic death knell for a presidential candidate. His age and health remain serious long-term question marks — at 79 in Jan. 2021, he would be the oldest person ever inaugurated into office, a fact that could well draw more scrutiny as voting approaches.But so far, at least, Sanders has weathered his heart attack and then some. (Otterbein, 11/13)
The New York Times: After Heart Attack, Bernie Sanders Takes Long Walks And Eats Salads
Before a campaign event last month, Bernie Sanders and his wife, Jane, went for an hourlong stroll around Green Castle Recreation Area, a lush park in central Iowa with evergreen trees and a small lake. Mr. Sanders also walked around a residential neighborhood in Waterloo recently, prompting curious passers-by to ask him what on earth he was doing there. Ms. Sanders is ensuring that her husband is getting adequate rest, and he has been requesting fish for dinner instead of steak or ribs. (Ember, 11/13)
And in other news from the trail —
CNBC: Economist Who Advised Warren On 'Medicare For All' Offers Wealth Tax Alternatives
An economist who provided analysis for Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s “Medicare for All” plan offered alternative ways to fund the presidential candidate’s basket of progressive policy proposals on CNBC on Wednesday. “In my mind, I don’t think I would go the wealth tax way,” Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, said on “Squawk on the Street.” “It’s going to be pretty tough to execute on that.’” (Stankiewicz, 11/13)
Kaiser Health News: Listen: Focusing On Health Care Politics
Julie Rovner, the chief Washington correspondent for Kaiser Health News, was on the air Tuesday discussing current health politics and marketplace enrollment issues. She joined New York Times reporter Margot Sanger-Katz to talk with Radio Times host Marty Moss-Coane to break down Democratic presidential candidates’ debate on “Medicare for all” plans and other health initiatives. (11/13)
