Live Audience Supports Universal Health Coverage, USA

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP;  Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 19 Sep 2008 - 8:00 PDT

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Intelligence Squared U.S., the Oxford style debate series sponsored by The Rosenkranz Foundation, announced the results of the first debate of its Fall 2008 season on the motion, "Universal health coverage should be the federal government's responsibility." A sold out audience at Rockefeller University's Caspary Auditorium, New York City voted 58% for the motion and 34% against at the conclusion of the debate. 8% were undecided.

Speaking for the motion were Art Kellermann, professor of emergency medicine and associate dean for health policy at Emory University, Paul Krugman, Op-Ed columnist for the New York Times and professor of economics and international affairs at Princeton University, Centenary Professor at the London School of Economics, and Michael Rachlis, an associate professor with the University of Toronto Department of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, and the author of three national bestsellers on the Canadian health care system. Michael F. Cannon, Cato Institute's director of health policy studies, Sally C. Pipes, president and chief executive officer of the Pacific Research Institute and John Stossel, an ABC News correspondent, co-anchor of 20/20 and author of "The John Stossel Specials" spoke against. John Donvan, a correspondent for ABC News "Nightline," moderated.

"We're thrilled to have kicked off our third season of intelligent debate in high style at our new home at Rockefeller University in New York City," said Robert Rosenkranz, chairman of The Rosenkranz Foundation. "Our vision of passionate but civil discourse was realized by a stellar panel and John Donvan, our terrific moderator; and by a sold-out, enthusiastic crowd that once again proved how strong the demand is for lively debate of important issues."

Intelligence Squared U.S. polls its audience on each motion before and after the debate. At the start of Tuesday's debate, the audience voted 49% for the motion that "Universal health coverage should be the federal government's responsibility," with 24% against and 27% undecided.

To view transcripts and videos or learn more about Intelligence Squared U.S. please visit: www.intelligencesquaredus.org

About Intelligence Squared U.S. and The Rosenkranz Foundation

Intelligence Squared U.S. is a New York-based initiative of The Rosenkranz Foundation; the executive producer is Dana Wolfe. Designed to raise the level of public discourse, the Oxford style, three-on-three debate series is the U.S. version of a London-based program. Since September 2006, the series has attracted sold-out crowds in New York City. Intelligence Squared U.S. provides a forum for intelligent discussion and encourages the recognition that the opposition has intellectually respectable views. For more information about Intelligence Squared U.S., please visit www.intelligencesquaredus.org.

The Rosenkranz Foundation was established in 1985 to encourage the highest level of achievement and innovation in public policy, higher education and the arts. It seeks to promote fresh and effective intellectual perspectives. The foundation is committed to promoting intellectual diversity in public policy discourse and higher education. For more information about The Rosenkranz Foundation, please visit www.rosenkranzfdn.org.