The NYT reported on the prospects of a public insurance plan being included in a health care package and tells readers that a public plan faced opposition from conservatives "to what they considered an attack on insurance industry profits."
Okay, that is not what the article actually said. Instead it told readers that conservatives' opposition is due the fact that they consider a public plan an: "excessive government role in the economy."
The reality is that the NYT does not know the reason why most conservative politicians oppose the public plan. Certainly their close ties to the insurance industry is a plausible explanation and possibly a more plausibly one than their philosophy of government. After all, these are politicians, not political philosophers.
Rather than attributing motives where they cannot be known, the NYT would best serve its readers if it just reported what people say.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. For over 30 years, The American Prospect has delivered independent reporting that exposes corporate power, investigates political corruption, and analyzes threats to our democracy. Unlike many media outlets, we’re not owned by billionaires or corporations—we’re powered by readers like you.
Today’s independent journalism faces unprecedented challenges. Your support makes our reporting possible and keeps our work free and accessible to all. Whether it’s $5 or $50, every contribution helps sustain our nonprofit newsroom.
Join our community of supporters and make a donation today to help keep independent journalism thriving.
Copyright 2025 | The American Prospect, Inc. | All Rights Reserved
