Obama seeks to shift focus to economic progress

Obama says economy improving even if progress overshadowed by gridlock, health law problems

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama says the U.S. economy is improving even if its progress has been overshadowed by political gridlock and the messy rollout of his health care law.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama is seeking to shift the focus away from negative headlines. He says jobs have been created, the auto industry is recovering and deficits are falling.

But Obama says if Democrats and Republicans were working together, the economy could be even further along. He's accusing Republicans of wasting time with dozens of votes to repeal his health care law.

In the Republican address, Rep. Michael Burgess of Texas says despite Obama's promise, some who like their doctor may lose their doctor. He says the U.S. should scrap Obama's health law and start over.

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Online:

White House address: www.whitehouse.gov

Republican address: www.gop.gov