The April 17 New York Times did not focus on the "tremendous number of potential conflicts" of the AARP's decision to start offering health insurance while continuing to lobby the government.
The obvious conflict is regarding what AARP will lobby for once it begins providing private insurance to individuals.
But the Times didn't try hard to find that conflict. Only four people were quoted in the 700-word article including two AARP executives, liberal Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.) and Judith A. Stein of the Center for Medicare Advocacy.
Stark told the Times AARP "could be a wonderful addition" to private insurers.
Stein cautiously mentioned the possible conflict. Not surprising, since it turns out "Ms. Stein and her organization work closely with AARP."
The Times story also treated AARP as the only lobby on behalf of "older Americans," to which conservatives at the United Seniors Association would probably disagree.
