Obama guarantees health care overhaul
WASHINGTON -- President Obama guaranteed Thursday that his health care overhaul will win approval and said any bill he signs will have to reduce rapidly rising costs, protect consumers from insurance abuses and provide affordable choices to the uninsured — while not adding to the federal deficit.
Obama listed those "bullet points" as his basic requirements in response to a question from a caller to a Philadelphia-based talk radio show. Host Michael Smerconish interviewed Obama at the White House during the show, and Obama took questions from several listeners.
Another caller said he sensed the administration's "knees are bucklin' a little bit" under criticism of the plans. Obama said he was as determined as ever, and "I guarantee you, Joe, we are going to get health care reform done."
Later Thursday, Obama visited the Democratic National Committee headquarters for a rally with volunteers who were instrumental in his drive to the presidency.
"Don't lose heart as we enter into probably our toughest fight," Obama told them in a session that was webcast.
Obama is trying to regain momentum on his top domestic priority: a comprehensive bill that would extend health coverage to more than 46 million people who lack it and restrain skyrocketing costs. Some town-hall-style meetings hosted by lawmakers this month have attracted vocal opponents to the proposals pending in Congress, and backing for Obama's effort has slipped in some opinion polls.
The president insisted Thursday that there has been no change in the administration's position that a government-paid option for health insurance should be considered as part of legislation to overhaul the system.
Responding to a question from Smerconish, Obama said, "The press got excited, and some folks on the left got a little excited" when the administration last weekend made statements indicating that a federally run health insurance option was just one of several alternatives.
"Let me just be clear: I continue to support a public option," he told the Democratic crowd.
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