Obama Steps Up Campaign for Health Care Reform

By Paula Wolfson The White House 20 July 2009

U.S. President Barack Obama is devoting much of his time these days to one issue: reforming the nation's health care system. Concerns about the cost and scope of reform are growing among members of Congress and the general public. Mr. Obama is making an all-out effort to regain the upper hand.

President Obama is speaking out about health care reform on a daily basis - stressing its importance to the nation's long term economic well-being.

Pres. Obama talks about health care reform after a discussion with health care providers, 20 Jul 2009

The latest stop on his campaign was the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. - a hospital that provides specialized care in the capital city area.

He met with doctors, nurses and administrators. Afterwards, he told reporters that what he heard only strengthened his conviction that health care reform is needed now.

"We spoke about some of the strains on our health care system and some of the strains our health care system places on parents with sick children," he said.

Mr. Obama said there is a health care crisis. And he said politics must not be allowed to get in the way of reform.

The need for reform is urgent and it is indisputable. No one denies that we are on an unsustainable path," he added.

The stepped up White House campaign for health care reform comes at a time when public support is slipping, and Republican opponents appear emboldened.

The latest survey of public opinion -conducted by the Washington Post and the ABC broadcast network - indicates growing doubts among Americans about the president's handling of the issue.

Less than half of those polled - 49 percent - said they agree with his stand on health care. That is down from 57 percent in April.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele (File)

Shortly after the poll results were released, Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele delivered a speech blasting the president's push for health care reform.

"The Barack Obama experiment with America is a risk our country cannot afford. It is too much, too fast, too soon," said the president.

Other Republicans have spoken in even tougher terms, with one senator suggesting health care will be Barack Obama's political downfall.

During his hospital visit, President Obama referred to those comments.

"This isn't about me. This isn't about politics. This is about a health care system that is breaking America's families, breaking America's businesses and breaking America's economy," said President Obama.

Mr. Obama said he knows reforming the nation's health care system will not be easy. But he said it is the right thing to do.