The National Snow and Ice Data Center reported in early March that 2011 has tied with 2006 for the record low sea-ice coverage in the Arctic Ocean (in the satellite record).

FORBES: U.S. Navy Scrambles for Piece of Arctic Pie

At best, then, universal coverage has a mixed record in controlling health care spending increases, even after resorting to rationing.

FORBES: Obama's Health Care Reform Tactics

"Campaigns are constantly trying to influence the coverage, off and on the record, " said Sam Feist, CNN's senior executive producer of political programming.

CNN: Media?manipulation is the message for campaigns