Obama Asks Nation for Input On Reforming Health System
'We Want Your Exact Ideas,' Daschle Says

By Ceci Connolly
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, December 6, 2008; A07



In between the tree trimming and gift-giving, President-elect Barack Obama is inviting Americans to spend part of the holiday season talking about health care -- and report back to him.

As he gears up for major health reform legislation next year, Obama is encouraging average Americans to host informal gatherings to brainstorm about how to improve the U.S. system.

The sessions, which could take place at a party, over a Menorah-lighting or at the annual Christmas cookie bake-off, are to be held Dec. 15 to Dec. 31. Former senator Thomas A. Daschle, Obama's point person on health, will attend at least one and prepare a detailed report, complete with video, to present to the next president.

"In order for us to reform our health care system, we must first begin reforming how government communicates with the American people," Obama said in a statement yesterday. "These Health Care Community Discussions are a great way for the American people to have a direct say in our health reform efforts."

By applying the high-tech tools and grass-roots activism that helped him win the White House, Obama hopes to circumvent many of the traditionally powerful special interests that have quashed previous health-care reform efforts.

During the campaign, he recruited some 13 million supporters to his Web site, using the list to turn out record-setting crowds at rallies, find babysitters for Election Day and solicit ideas for the Democratic Party platform.

With the transition team:

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