Obama Tackles Health Care Concerns in ABC's Questions for the President
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama promoted what he called a "uniquely American" health care plan in a prime-time appearance devoted to questions about health-care reform.
In Wednesday's Questions for the President: Prescription for America, Obama answered questions from a town-hall audience and viewers about how to pay for his reforms, whether his plans would limit health care choices, and how the government would be involved in health care.
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During the forum, which was moderated by ABC News' Diane Sawyer and Charles Gibson, the president said he understood apprehension about reforms. "[Americans] know they're living with the devil. But the devil they know, they think may be better than the devil they don't."
He also said government involvement would be essential to reform: "Unfortunately government, whether you like it or not, is going to already be involved," he said.
"We pay for Medicare, we pay for Medicaid. There are a whole host of rules, both at the state and federal level, governing how health care is administered," Obama continued. "And so the key is for us to try to figure how to take that involvement ... and to keep doing what works, and stop doing what doesn't work."
He also said hurdles remain. "These things are going to be tough politically," he said. "What's lacking is political will. And that's what I'm hoping the American people will provide."
Did you watch the president's forum? What did you think of the discussion?