In the first Presidential debate held October 3, 2012, Mitt Romney raised to the public consciousness the idea that, while he likes Sesame Street, it might be worth cutting the show (via cutting overall PBS funding) to balance the federal budget. More than any other issue on the table, this particular one begs the question: in a presidential debate where the candidates seemed to agree on more than they disagree, What Would the Muppets Do (WWMD?) and how does this critical swing vote impact the outcome of the election?
In exclusive coverage of the Muppet debrief of the debate, moderated by balcony-dwelling Jim Lehrer-look-alike commentators Statler and Waldorf, it became clear that the key issue for this voting segment is MuppetCare and how this program will impact the significant population of middle class puppets who we have come to know and love. A brief summary of the concerns overheard in this discussion:
- Would the IPAB (Independent Puppet Advisory Board) dictate Big Bird’s options if he contracted bird flu?
Will attempts to address the national obesity crisis lead to a limit on cookie size, a la New York City’s soda size regulations, thus limiting Cookie Monster’s personal freedoms?
Is being green a pre-existing condition and, if so, will color therapy be a covered service if frogs do not have continuous coverage?
Will plans available through the insurance exchanges be limited to metallic colors, like bronze and platinum, or will primary colors more familiar to Muppets be offered?
Elmo has a question: if Elmo is perpetually 3 years old, will Elmo be permanently covered under Elmo’s parent’s plan?
Are Dr. Bunsen Honeydew’s ’Insta-Grow’ pills subject to the pharmaceutical excise tax?
- With all the talk of taking care of the middle class, how will those who live in garbage cans access care and will lifetime limits on trash accumulation be effected?
- Will MuppetCare benefits be extended to different species marriages (e.g., frog and pig) or be limited only to same sex marriage partners (Ernie and Bert)?
In their wrap-up of the debate, the commentators were heard to say:
Statler: Hey you old fool, you slept through the show!
Waldorf: Who’s the fool? You watched it!
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By Lisa Suennen Psilos Group
Lisa Suennen is a founder and Managing Member of Psilos Group, a healthcare-focused venture capital and growth equity investment firm. She also writes a popular blog on healthcare and investing issues which can be found at http://venturevalkyrie.com.Visit website | More posts by Author
The dynamic duo of Romney and Ryan would drive the entire economy into a nose dive as long as it benefits the richest Americans. They'll even destroy our beloved Big Bird and anything government-funded which stands in the way of making the rich richer. Income inequality is endangering the Middle Class and making paupers of us all who don’t have those millions upon millions of dollars. Read more about the role of Romney’s riches in this election and the power of his sacred undergarments at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2012/05/mitt-romneys-magic-mormon-underwear.html The working class of our country can’t AFFORD to allow this election to be bought and sold!