Election 2008!

Perhaps as never before, the result of the Presidential elections of 2008 may change the face of healthcare delivery in this country. With “Healthcare” consistently ranking as the most important domestic issue, and second issue overall to the war in Iraq, every serious Presidential candidate will have to provide a vision of how to improve the healthcare delivery system of the country. Many candidates have already released comprehensive plans for universal health care or for significant changes to the health care delivery infrastructure of our nation.

It is imperative that all Americans, including emergency physicians, be well-informed and educated citizens and voters. As 2008 begins, the presidential primaries and caucuses across the country will quickly narrow the list of viable candidates. By the conclusion of the Republican and Democratic primaries a clear view of the choices for America and the future of healthcare will be established.

As the campaign process progresses, there are a number of websites that can provide additional information and commentary on the candidates and the process. Please make sure that you are an active and engaged participant in this process. We should remember that the right to vote is one that is not shared in many countries and that the future of healthcare and this country will be decided on Tuesday, November 4th.

Helpful websites with Election 2008 information are as follows:

• www.health08.org – Part of the Kaiser Family Foundation website with excellent side-by-side comparison of candidates’ healthcare platforms.

• www.realclearpolitics.org – This is an excellent website for up-to-date tracking of all major campaign polls at the national level.