First, as you all know, from my stories of my wife’s cancer struggles and healthcare stories, they are indeed emotional and trying times. So why then does Obama have to stage a sad story to prop up his trillion dollar health care proposal? During a so-called townhall meeting today in Annandale Va today he called up a seemingly unknown from the audience to share their sad tale. John at Powerline picks it up:

“What followed was, nevertheless, a tear-jerker. The woman told a story of woe about having kidney cancer and being unable to obtain health insurance. The high point came when Obama gave her a hug and, to applause from the audience, promised to find a way to help her.

Following their colloquy, Obama reinforced the idea that he didn’t know who she was:

OBAMA: But what was your name again?

QUESTION: My name is Debbie. I’m…

OBAMA: Debbie is a perfect example of somebody who we should, in a country this wealthy, be able to provide coverage for her health care problems. … So, Debbie, you are Exhibit A, and we appreciate you serving — sharing our story.

So: who, exactly, was Exhibit A? The Associated Press has a little more information:

President Barack Obama wanted to put a human face on his plans to overhaul health care, and a Virginia supporter did just that Wednesday. Fighting back tears, Debby Smith, 53, told Obama of her kidney cancer and her inability to obtain health insurance or hold a job.

The president hugged her–she’s a volunteer for his political operation–and called her “exhibit A” in an unsustainable system that is too expensive and complex for millions of Americans. …

Smith, of Appalachia, Va., is a volunteer for Organizing for America, Obama’s political operation within the Democratic National Committee. She obtained her ticket through the White House.

Well now, she could have just called the Washington Post, I’m sure they could have made all the arraignments!

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