The press gallery is scrubbing up in preparation for today’s Abbott v Rudd 12.30pm health debate.

Politicians are busy comparing column inches in today’s tabloids (Rudd in the Herald Sun and The Age, ditto Abbott: “more beds, not bureaucrats”) and shoring up soundbites (Roxon and Bishop in The Punch).

The tactics of Tony are being scrutinized (“Mr Abbott’s declaration that he won’t disclose his policy today doesn’t necessarily preclude his producing something to grab attention…”: Grattan); the wisdom of Kevin is being questioned (“almost nobody in Rudd’s corner knew anything about it”: Jackman), and an old friend has re-emerged (“…will the Worm prove a friend of Rudd again today? Or has the Worm turned, in favour of Tony Abbott?”: Maiden.)

Meanwhile, in a parallel universe, President Barack Obama has managed to push the most comprehensive US health reform in the last 100 years through the House of Representatives.

This particular political tactic will extend insurance coverage to 32 million Americans. And Obama’s subsequent speech had plenty of soundbites. “This is what change looks like,” being one of them.

Funny thing is, this grab actually has a ring of truth to it.

And in the time honoured Crikey tradition of having our cake and eating it too, we will sniff at the empty, hollow gesture that is today’s debate in our editorial, while also promising you a LIVE BLOG on the HEALTH DEBATE SMACKDOWN at 12.30 today. Starring BERNARD KEANE, MELISSA SWEET, RICHARD FARMER and the CRIKEY TEAM, and topped off with a FIRST DOG DRINKING GAME. A drinking game on a TUESDAY? Based on a HEALTH DEBATE? Yes we can.