Outburst and ovations
There was a lot riding on President Obama's primetime speech on health care reform. Billed as a "make or break" moment, his address before Congress was designed to bring clarity and calm nerves. Sources say he was editing until the final hours, right around when new polls showed a jump in disapproval ratings on his handling of the issue. The stage was set for a pivotal moment in the contentious debate.
Some highlights:
Tough crowd
Standing ovations abounded during Obama's speech, but blogs are buzzing most about N.C. Republican Rep.-turned-heckler Joe Wilson who loudly yelled "You lie!" after the president said health care reform wouldn't cover illegal immigrants. The moment threw Obama off track, if briefly. Michelle Obama was reported to have shaken her head in dismay from her seat.
Wilson quickly apologized in a statement to CNN, saying, "I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the President's remarks…my comments were inappropriate and regrettable." For better or worse it's raised his profile. As one piece of evidence, his Twitter following doubled shortly after the speech wrapped.
Watch:
Network cameras cut often to House GOP leader John Boehner, a persistent critic of the reform proposals. After Obama chided "bickering" among lawmakers, Boehner was not among those cheering.
One-time rival Sen. John McCain was spotted smiling in support when the president praised him for championing a version of health care reform on the campaign trail.
Big questions
On costs, Obama was adamant:
"Here's what you need to know. First, I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficits - either now or in the future. Period. And to prove that I'm serious, there will be a provision in this plan that requires us to come forward with more spending cuts if the savings we promised don't materialize."
The public option controversies were also addressed:
"But an additional step we can take to keep insurance companies honest is by making a not-for-profit public option available in the insurance exchange. Let me be clear - it would only be an option for those who don't have insurance."
The president and the crowd were quick, however, to acknowledge that all the answers aren't available. "Some significant details [need] to be ironed out," Obama conceded with a slight smile. Both sides got the joke, perhaps with different interpretations, and the room erupted with laughter.
Watch excerpts:
Tough talk
Ahead of the speech Obama said he wanted both sides to know he's open to "new ideas." The open-mindedness of the speech came with something more forceful. "My door is always open, but know this, I will not waste time." It was a moment many Democrats clearly enjoyed.
Watch:
Kennedy's letter
In the end, the president relied on an old friend to tie things together. Near the close of his address, Obama spoke of a letter he received from the late Sen. Ted Kennedy. Kennedy had written the letter months before he passed away, and instructed it to be delivered to Obama upon Kennedy's death. The letter said many things, but the key message seemed to be that health care reform isn't a political issue. It's a moral issue that will determine the character of America. As Obama invoked the late Senator's words, Kennedy's widow, Vicki, sat next to Michelle Obama and smiled.
Setting the stage for what he hopes will be more collaboration, and less conflict, Obama concluded by invoking America's values.
"I still believe we can act even when it's hard. I still believe we can replace acrimony with civility, and gridlock with progress. I still believe we can do great things, and that here and now we will meet history's test.
"Because that is who we are. That is our calling. That is our character. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America."
-- Heather Buono and Mike Krumboltz