How ABC Stacked the Deck for Obama

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With the very first question of its prime time special, Questions for the President: Prescription for America, ABC set the tone that essentially confirmed for viewers that the president was right in his desire to radically remake America's healthcare system. As the infomercial began, "moderator" Charles Gibson asked a seminal question of the doctors and other participants that were about to hear the president speak:

"How many of you agree with the president that we need to change our healthcare system?"

Naturally they all raised their hands.

Imagine that. This handpicked crowd all agreed with ABC and Obama that "change" was paramount.

So, as the viewer is introduced to the infomercial, they start off with the unanimous affirmation that the president is right, radical changes have to be made. The premise is set and even the sharp questions to the president later in the show are blunted by the assumption that some major change is needed. And since the president is the only person allowed to offer any plan during this ABC special, the further assumption promulgated is that he is the one that must affect that change.

For viewers of this healthcare informercial, Obama wins thanks to an assist by ABC. The viewer is deftly led to the desired conclusion.

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