How Much Did Taxpayers Pay for Andy Griffith to Promote ObamaCare?
- Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:08pm by
Meredith Jessup
- Print »
- Email »
Documents obtained from the Department of Health and Human Services reveal that the Obama administration spent $3,184,000 in taxpayer funds to produce and air national television ads promoting Democrats’ health care overhaul plan.
The ads, starring television icon Andy Griffith, were meant to educate “Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers and family members about forthcoming changes to Medicare as a result of the Affordable Care Act.” However, multiple media outlets, including the nonpartisan FactCheck.org, called the ads misleading.
“Would the sheriff of Mayberry mislead you about Medicare? Alas, yes. In a new TV spot from the Obama administration, actor Andy Griffith, famous for his 1960s portrayal of the top law enforcement official in the fictional town of Mayberry, N.C., touts benefits of the new health care law. Griffith tells his fellow senior citizens, ‘like always, we’ll have our guaranteed [Medicare] benefits.’ But the truth is that the new [Obamacare] law is guaranteed to result in benefit cuts for one class of Medicare beneficiaries — those in private Medicare Advantage plans.”
The government documents were obtained by Judicial Watch, a public interest group that weeds out government corruption. The documents outlined the cost for each of the three Griffith ads. Judicial Watch reports:
“Mr. Griffith is featured in three Medicare television ads and provided his services to the government at no charge pursuant to a gratuitous services agreement. These three spots, ‘1965,’ ‘Music to My Ears,’ and ‘Cozy Chair,’ are only airing in September and October 2010. The production for the three advertisements cost $404,000; the total amount budgeted for the national media placement is $2.78 million, which breaks down per ad to $754,000 (‘1965’), $1,112,000 (‘Music to My Ears’), and $1,390,000 (‘Cozy Chair’).”
In press statements touting the new Griffith advertising program the Obama White House described its purpose: “The Affordable Care Act [Obamacare] will strengthen the health care system for all Americans, but senior citizens in particular stand to benefit from the new law. And the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is getting a little help delivering the good news from a well-known TV star: Andy Griffith.” …
The new documents show the public relations firm Porter Novelli produced the advertising campaign. One of these documents lists the Porter Novelli staff involved in producing the advertisements and details that former Obama campaign spokesperson Catherine “Kiki” McLean contributed 21 hours of her time to the project. Porter Novelli’s website notes McLean served as a “senior adviser to the Hillary Clinton for President campaign and appeared as an on-air surrogate for the Obama for America campaign.” She is currently the Senior Partner, Global Head of Public Affairs, and Managing Director for Porter Novelli.
Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton called the ads “propaganda for Obamacare,“ and said it was a ”scandal than an Obama insider is involved in the contract for these misleading ads.”
“Taxpayers and Congress should be upset the Obama administration wastes millions of taxpayer dollars on this propaganda campaign at a time when the government desperately needs to tighten its belt,” Fitton said Wednesday. “Even Barney Fife would see that these Obamacare ads are bogus.”
Popular Stories
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 695 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 512 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 353 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 342 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 330 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 330 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 342 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 255 Comments- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 148 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 330 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (342)
crazytalk
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:24pmIf Aunt Bee were alive she probably would have kicked him in the junk.
Report Post »Workforit
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 4:51amLOL! Twice!
Report Post »Ken
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 11:50amHe apparently has no “junk.” He had to borrow someone else’s to do these lying ads!
Report Post »YaDarnTootin
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 2:50pmHelen too. And then she should dump him!
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:23pmShame on you Andy, selling your soul this late in the game. You were always respected, now you besmirtch your entire career with this. Shame on you Mr. Griffith, shame.
Former Communist
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:23pmActors like parrots, they say anything to get food. When they are really hungry they say even more. Look at Michael Moore.
Report Post »LadyIzShy
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:20pmSorry I dont see why ANYONE listens to celibs about anything short of whats happening in hollywood. I mean REALLY.. they are human just like you or I and I do not see anyone putting me on TV to sell some stupid thing the government is doing..
we need to be more concerned with why the feds paid Obama supporters to sell this.. why do we have to pay to get robbed?
Report Post »FedUP
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:56pmIts obvious that the target audience was senior citizens. Placing the good ol’ sheriff on their television screens to gather the support of the baby boomers- those who have fond memories of Sheriff Taylor’s honest way of running the perfect town of Mayberry. No doubt some seniors will see these ads and believe the lies because of the trust they have in ol’ Andy.
Report Post »NEAF
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:09pmI don’t blame him, he is probably broke.
Ken
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 11:58am…and probably resides in a retired actors nursing home.
Report Post »I Believe In American Exceptionalism
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:05pmI thought Andy had passed on to that great Mayberry in the sky. Now I‘m shocked to see that he’s suffering from dementia and his Obama handlers have propped him up, stuck an Obama teleprompter in front of him, and made a deplorable, fraudulent commercial. I’m typically sympathetic to the plight of elderly people who have been manipulated, but not in this case. Andy should be dog-goned ashamed of himself. How sad….
Report Post »TheOldOne
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 9:48amI love your name!!!
Report Post »As for Andy Griffin, there is no fool like an old fool!
Silversmith
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:04pmSo many things and so many people are lost in this battle for the hearts and minds of America. Is there nothing they won’t stoup to?
Silversmith
Report Post »confederacyofdunces
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:04pmI live in NC and have little doubt that some people think he is real. NC can be strange. A fraud and a waste of taxpayers money on propaganda.
Report Post »mikenleeds
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:03pmgovernment does nt care how much money it costs ,, it s free unlimited money as far as they are concerned…
Report Post »mdlwoods
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 11:05amYeah, that free Obama money he got from his stash!
Report Post »AntiGov
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:56pmAndy has obviously gone senile.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:55pmI always liked Andy Griffith, but pretty much…yeah…
Angel D
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:51pmI do not want to hear any Actors promoting any government issue.
Report Post »Conserving Ink
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:50pmThe really good comedians can keep a straight face while saying any absurdity you can think of.
Report Post »__________________________________________________________________________
http://conserving-ink.blogspot.com/2010/11/wretched-hive-of-scum-and-villainy.html
TXPilot
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:41pmAndy is just supplying one of the most visible examples of how people can be used for nefarious purposes through their own ignorance. Its a crying shame that someone who has spent decades building a good reputation can so completely destroy all his credibility with one truly bad decision.
I’ve always liked watching the old Andy Griffith show, but from now on, when I see it, I’m going to be faced with the fact that in the world we live in now, Andy would spouting left-wing propaganda, while Aunt Bee waits on the death panel to decide about her new kidney…..annoying laugh track playing in the background. The fond memories of our America are truly evaporating before our eyes.
Report Post »woodydad
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:38pmI remember when these ads came out, the people who called Rush’s show to tell how they had run into him over the years and what an elitist snob he was. Andy Taylor was just a schtick character he developed. Andy Taylor is a national treasure, Andy Griffith is, well, just a sad disappointment. I was somewhat surprised and mildly impressed a little while ago when Lady Gaga was asked about some current issue and she replied something to the effect that “I don’t think anyone want to hear the opinion of a celebrity.” To bad the other 99% of them don’t get it.
Report Post »Max jones
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:44pmLady gaga…..Although I can’t say I enjoy the music, but she does have some guts. I really liked the “meat dress”. A sense of humor is always welcome.
Report Post »sheryl
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:26amA few years ago, I had the oppurtunity of spending several hours with Andy Griffin. And while he was pleasant and polite, he was no Andy Taylor. I went away feeling a bit disappointed, much like I am about these ads that he’s done. I also wish , like some other posters have stated, that i could remember his as that gentle man whistling his way down a country road on his way to go fishing. These ads have tarnished that lovely memory.
Report Post »catndahat
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:37amThis is true–the character grew out of Mr. Griffith‘s role in ’No Time for Soldiers’ (which was also used as a basis for Gomer Pyle)–the ‘ah shucks’ hayseed with a heart of gold. Griffith is not, and never has been, ‘one of the regular folk’. I haven’t seen the ad (don’t watch tv) but none of it is a surprise to me.
Report Post »Hill Country Patriot
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:34pmBefore these commercials aired, I actually thought he had died several years ago.
Nice to see they were able turn his corpse into a nicely groomed puppet.
Report Post »woodydad
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:44pmHe does look a little cadaverous these days doesn’t he? I wonder if we could talk him into a little plastique surgery? Hmmmm.
Report Post »seabear
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:52pmThanks for the chuckle Hill Patriot.
Report Post »Hill Country Patriot
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:55pmIt’s like they pulled him right out of a nursing home and told him “OK Mr. Griffith, if you read this just like we tell you, we‘ll give you an extra serving of lime Jello for desert and if you’re lucky, we may even change your bedpan.”
The guy is going out as an embarrassment, and frankly, as a guy who grew up enjoying his show, that is very sad to me.
Report Post »fan-of-glenn
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:33pmAt least the there is No question anymore about what Barney should have done with his one bullet!
Opie and Andy both did a anti-conservative commercial in the 2008 election.
Report Post »pamela kay
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 12:55amNow that was funny and witty. I think Andy was mislead and taken advatage of. I am so angry that this administration would use beloved TV icon to brainwash the American people. The fact that it was paid by the tax-payers only sickens me more.They have no problem using our own hard earned money against us after they crammed HC down our throats when we did not want it. in the first place. Andy, I pray that you truely were not of sound mind to have done this. If indeed you understood and willingly agreed then it saddens me that you would sell your soul to the devil and turn your back on the people that adored you.
Report Post »MadMadWorld
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 4:37amThanks for my best laugh of the day :)
Report Post »Mirimichi
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:28pmI think Andy Griffith is suffering from dementia. Or, is he that stupid?
Report Post »Ken
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 11:45amI‘m thinking it’s dementia, because I don‘t think he’d be doing this if he was in his right mind.
Report Post »maryslittlelamb
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 12:47pmAndy Griffith has always been liberal. He just had the good sense to keep it hidden for a lot of years.
Report Post »13thGenerationAmerican
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:23pmLeave Andy alone, he is an American treasure or I’ll have to sick Ernest T. Bass and his rock on you!
Report Post »Dearoldad
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:33pm1/3 Gen/Am, your opinion doesn’t count, we know you are a phony Dumocrat plant. Andy Griffith is an American treasure and the your Libs/Dumocrats just took advantage of his Alzheimer’s and you.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 12:48am13th degeneration He is just another actor reading a TelePrompter…….remind you of someone?
Report Post »wash1776
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:28amWhy don’t you GO POUND SAND IN A RAT HOLE AND CRAWL IN FIRST?
Report Post »Frostbyte
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:57amPlease quit feeding this troll. Soros will stop paying these fools if you will stop responding to them!
Report Post »Ken
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:21pmWould someone please explain to me how it is possible to cut 500 billion from medicare AND end up with a better deal for seniors. I agree that someone is making out like a bandit on Obama care BUT it is NOT the average American Citizen.
Report Post »As far as i can tell, all Democrats are Marxists and LIARS.
JimOhio
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:35amI’m with you on this Ken. How can taking 500 billion from Medicare with a growing base of seniors be beneficial to the health of the elderly. Could the answer be Cass Sunstein public policies that value young people over senior citizens? Hmmmmm.
Report Post »drawls
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:02amI have heard so many lies from the left that‘s it’s difficult for me to know when they’re telling the truth.
Report Post »marklross
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:21pmAunt Bee would be disappointed…
Report Post »Blacktooth
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:40pmWhen I first saw this ad on TV, I cringed seeing Andy succumbing to the liberal machine. I hope to maintain my memories of him and Opie walking to the lake to go fishing.
Report Post »60yroldfemale
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:43pmIt was actually Aunt Bea, her name was Beatrice.
What did we expect he campaigned for the loser in chief.
provided his services to the government at no charge pursuant to a gratuitous services agreement. about A. Griffen in the story.
Report Post »What the heck does that mean?
Ken
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 11:47amThis is why we need to get Obamacare repealed and “nip it in the bud!”
Report Post »Silver Lining
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 6:50pm@60yroldfemale – Nope, it was Aunt Bee Taylor. Aunt “Bee” knows…
Report Post »mtnclimberjim
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:20pmAndy is an ass and the enemy
Report Post »alongthedesertroad
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:19pmThank you, Judicial Watch
Report Post »Workforit
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 4:48amMy thanks too.
Report Post »American_Woman
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:18pmIt broke my heart to see a man I’ve admired and respected do an ad for such a sinister cause.
Report Post »Veritas
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:33pmI would like to here from Andy now after he is told that he was used to spread lies!
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:54pmThose ads really bothered me too, but also the reverse mortgage ads. I have to turn the tv to a different channel every time Fred Thompson comes on. Are these people so hard up for money they sell their souls? So disappointing.
American_Woman
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:16pmIf I’m understanding the article correctly, Andy G. wasn’t paid anything. I wonder if they took advantage of him?
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:17pmThe article here though does not directly say how much he has been paid for each of the appearances in the commercials. I understand it would have to be huge, most likely that is, for one of his historic appeal to the public; yet who can honestly say?
HKS
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 12:23amHe is old enough to know better, I‘m guessing Alzheimer’s.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 12:41amThat is why they are call Actors…… money buys their opinion. Did you think he lived in Mayberry?
Report Post »G.W. Dobbs
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 12:51amFace it; Andy Griffith means well but he is now SENILE and easily manipulated into believing he is “doing a service for his country”. It is this Hillary Clinton trained “Modern Progressive” whose Firm MILKED the American public to buy her millions of dollars plans of LIES. And the Masses believe
Report Post »the LIES if they are repeatedly told by “Old Friends” like Andy Griffith, whom we trust from association.
Silver Lining
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:04amAs stated in the article above, “Mr. Griffith is featured in three Medicare television ads and provided his services to the government at no charge pursuant to a gratuitous services agreement.” He pimped himself for free.
Report Post »pavnvet
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:46amAs soon as I witnessed this first commercial, my head was about to explode.
1. It was insulting as such an obvious play to seniors – Griffith talks to us like we are idiots.
2. It was a lie and I knew it
3. It was government sponsored propaganda
4. I knew it was not a public service announcement ([psa] – which the networks air for free) and had to be paid for by tax dollars.
Having said all that, who exactly was responsible for this idiocy? Who thought it up, and who are the various people up and down the food change that authorized it. I WANT ACCOUNTABILITY. Bur alas, I know that we can never find out. The government is suppose to be working for the people and their actions should be subject to any citizen’s query of who, what, why, where and when.
dcdavis
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:58amIt makes me sad, too. I want to puke down my leg every time I see this piece of garbage commercial.
Report Post »seabear
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:17pmI wish actors would keep their liberal opinions to themselves. Just because they can act doesn‘t mean they know anything they’re talking about.
Report Post »LVMerrily
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:40pmWhy are they using $3+ million of our tax dollars to “sell” their bad legislation? What is going on? No hearing, nobody reads, they have special rules for their buddies and themselves?
Report Post »Taquoshi
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:18amThe point is, Seabear, Andy Griffin is an actor. He is paid to say the words that come out of his mouth, because that’s his job. Unfortunately, people often confuse the person with the character he portrays and then feel betrayed when they find out that the real person wasn’t who they thought he was.
Sometimes, the political organizations, as in this case, use the actor to link to a beloved character with what they are trying to achieve. One of the most ridiculous incidents that I can remember is when Congress called Sally Fields to testify about farm subsidies because she had once portrayed a farm wife in one of her films. It’s true that the actors study their parts and do research, but she, like Andy Griffin, is an actress. Ms. Fields may know more about farming than I personally do, but she sure doesn’t know as much about farming as my friend Sue, who was born and raised on a working farm.
I don’t agree with the ad, I don’t agree with Obamacare, but I also don’t think more or less of Andy Griffin because he did the job he was contracted and paid to do. However, I do feel a giant “OUCH!” regarding the amount of money that was expended on that and wonder if it could have been spent in a better manner.
Report Post »MrObvious
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:32amWhen actors use their prior roles to push or sell something, they are putting that character’s reputation behind it. In this case the character in question started before the advent of color television.
AARP sold out a long time ago. Government funds for the Ad, well big surprise there.
It’s how they do things.
Honor, Humility and Humanity have no place in the current administration, except lip service.
Report Post »annieoakley
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 1:58pmAmen!
Report Post »captjack63
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:36pmagree 100% but still didn’t see what Andy himself was paid to do the spots
Report Post »MamaofJ5
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:49pmAmen. The list of movies and shows I’ll watch is getting small, I see them ranting on about their liberial views and just can’t seem to get past it to watch them again. They really do need to stick to acting.
Report Post »grassroots
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 6:48amWhy did they hire Andy G. because he is an actor and actors take on someone else’s personality. Actors do not have a real identity only the people they pretend to be which makes them the perfect
Report Post »one to sell Health Care and people must realize they are actors and should not take them seriously. Of course there are some actors whom are geniune and can separate acting from reality like Angie
and Brad Pitt.
godlovinmom
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 1:49pmeverytime this commercial came on the FOX news channel…I wondered why…and I’m still wondering…I thought they were looking out for us?
Report Post »