In a memo complaining about House Democrats' messaging chops or lack thereof, an aide to Democratic Rep. Neil Abercrombie asks why Democrats are "defending" the State Children's Health Insurance Program "instead of advocating a 'Healthy Kids' plan."

As the the Hill reports, Dave Helfert's memo argues that "almost every Republican message contains a simple and direct moral imperative, a stark contrast between good and evil, right and wrong, common sense and fuzzy liberal thinking. Meanwhile, we're trying to ignite passions with analyses of optimum pupil-teacher ratios."

The House overwhelmingly approved a new version of the vetoed SCHIP legislation Thursday afternoon, but there still aren't enough votes to overturn a veto if President Bush nixes the bill again.