Press Center: News Releases
Divided We Fail Welcomes ‘Leaders’ Project’ to National Health Care Debate
News Release
April 17, 2008
The Divided We Fail initiative today welcomed the newly formed “Leaders’ Project” to the national health care debate. AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released the following statement on behalf of Divided We Fail:
“Divided We Fail has been working for more than a year to generate the political will so our leaders can bring forward specific policy ideas to address our health care and financial security crises. And our efforts are paying off.
“We welcome the addition of the bipartisan Leaders’ Project to the policy debate, and hope that others meet the challenge they have set and offer their own policy solutions to the health care and financial security crises we face today.
“Bipartisan policy discussion, however, will not be enough to break through the gridlock of Washington. We need our elected leaders to realize that the political environment exists for serious discussion to take place. That instead of groups working to kill reform, we will all agree to sit down at the table and work toward solutions.
“To that end, Divided We Fail is engaging individuals across the country. A half million people have signed our pledge, including the three presidential candidates and hundreds of their colleagues in Congress. Community forums are being held across the country to ensure that wherever a candidate goes, they are reminded of the importance of health care and financial security issues. Additionally, polling has shown that the issues of health care and financial security are among the top domestic issues when voters make their decision.
“Bringing together the different organizations is sending a message that America is ready to break Washington’s gridlock. Groups like the Leaders’ Project – as well as the groups that make up Divided We Fail – will be critical as our movement continues to grow.”
AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, http://www.aarp.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Divided We Fail
It's time we ensure health and long-term financial security for all. That's why AARP, Business Roundtable, the Service Employees International Union and the National Federation of Independent Business, are leading Divided We Fail, an initiative to give voice to millions of Americans who are tired of letting Washington gridlock stand in the way of affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security – the most pressing domestic issues faction our nation. Common sense solutions are needed, and everyone – individuals, businesses and government – has a role and a responsibility in ensuring health and financial security for all. Go to www.dividedwefail.org to learn more.