Finding a solution to America’s health care woes is one of the major presidential campaign issues. But who knew the real solution was tucked between a Ford Motor Company ad and a promotion for Shark Week on the Discovery Channel?

Up until a few days ago, figuring out which major party candidate’s plan was best was a little tricky.

Both Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama say they have the answers to all the issues.

Each of them says they support finding a solution to providing health care coverage for the millions of uninsured Americans.

And Obama and McCain also say they have plans to reduce the extremely high prices of health care, too.

Each man says his plan is the best way to accomplish those goals.

But what if the free market has figured out a way to handle all of these massive problems on its own?

Last week, evidence of such a very unbelievable event took place before my very eyes.

The remote control nearly dropped from my hand as I heard the words of Billy Mays — the king of TV infomercials.

“Hi, Billy Mays here to share with you the most important product I have ever endorsed — access to affordable health insurance for everyone.”

Wow. The good capitalists in TV land have apparently solved a problem that neither Congress nor any of the last White House residents has been able to solve.

Mays continued as computer graphics filled the screen and upbeat music filled the room.

“If you’re one of the 47 million uninsured call now, we can help. … Finally health insurance you can actually afford.”

Excited at the possibility that Mays had solved the national health care crisis, my hand quickly grabbed my cell phone and dialed the number.

Billy Mays answered — in a recorded voice.

My senses caught up with me in a few seconds and I disconnected the line.

First, I’m one of the lucky ones. I’m one of the approximately 84 percent of Americans who do, in fact, have health insurance.

Second, I’m suspicious of TV infomercials. If someone had indeed come up with such a great solution, would they really hire the monotone bearded pitchman to sell it?

Maybe the guy who has sold mountains of OxiClean, Mighty Putty and Kaboom! does, in fact, have the solution to the nation’s health care woes. But I’m skeptical.

It makes you wonder though just how screwed up our health care system is when we’re now pitching health insurance for the masses in the same manner as we’ve sold home cleaning products and wonder putty.

The heath care plans of both McCain and Obama are much too complex to be squeezed into a two-minute infomercial or a small newspaper column, so you’ll need to read up on those on your own.

Unless of course you’d like to take the easy way out and support Billy Mays for President in 2012!

Call now and with your vote, you’ll get two additional sticks of Mighty Putty and an overnight stay in the hospital of your choice absolutely free!

Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Natchez Democrat. He can be reached at 601-445-3539 or kevincooper@natchezdemocrat.com.