Whose Bottom Line Is He Talking About?

This is classic Bush - use a populist message to hide a policy designed to enrich the wealthy fat cats he's spent his whole life surrounded by. In this instance, he sounds like he's talking about cutting health care costs for average workers, but he's really talking about cutting health care costs for Big Business, as they reduce worker benefits, and raise their premiums/deductibles.

CLAIM:

"We've passed what's called Health Savings Accounts...It's a good way to help control costs."
– President Bush, 5/25/04

FACT:

"Sharply higher health insurance deductibles may hit workers in the next two years as employers embrace newly created tax-free Health Savings Accounts...widespread adoption of the plans could drive up the annual deductible paid by workers.”

– USA Today, 4/25/04