Traditionally, the Republicans have been more favorable to the Pharma Industry. So, is a McCain vote a no brainer in 2008? Maybe not: Senator John McCain (AZ) casted the industry in a not-so-flattering light while discussing why Americans can’t import drug from Canada. Mitt Romney jumped in, “Don’t turn the pharmaceutical companies into the big bad guys.” McCain responded: “They are.”Mitt Romney, clearly the candidate with the best understanding of Healthcare and Pharma, has now suspended his campaign, in light of McCain triumph on Super Tuesday.
Let’s turn the table: are the Democrats still the bad guys for Pharma? The first Hillary Clinton Healthcare Plan when Bill was President, has left bad memories. Hillary’s plan in 2008 clearly spells out universal healthcare coverage but with freedom of choice for the insured. Obama is less specific but supports the same principles.
On drug pricing, all three McCain, Clinton and Obama are favoring government regulation. Even Republicans are likely to target drug prices under Medicare part D. For more on candidates position on healthcare, check Healthcare’08 .
As a result, Pharma is playing a bi-partisan card, evolving from 2/3 donations in 2004 to the Republicans to 50/50 with the Democrats in 2008. This is a pragmatic approach, since Pharma is most likely to have to work with a Democratic President. Only a united and pro-active industry position to address real issues, including that of the uninsured, will save US Pharma from a European or Canadian-style Healthcare System and a rapid decline of the industry competitive position.
1 response so far ↓
aerioldot // February 12, 2008 at 11:39 am |
The pharmaceutical industry will be strong no matter who is the next president, because jobs and getting products through trials is the issue in manufacturing here and in Pueto Rico. As a professional engineer take my word on it. I would choose Sen. Clinton because then the strangle hold on reorganizing heathcare would not be in the hands of people like Kerry and Kennedy. Sen.Obama comes from a state that supports the industry too. Sen. McCain ideas are limiting and without a strong VP maybe like Forbes or Romney will falter in support of reorganizing the heathcare industry. Also please remember new hospitals and accutecare facilities will need to built to accomodate a new influx of Americans.
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