Obama makes final push for health care reform

I / Washington March 4, 2010, 13:53 IST

President Barack Obama made what is expected to be his final push to overhaul the US health care system, revising his plan in an attempt to win the support of moderate Democrats.

Obama's latest proposal included some ideas favoured by Republicans, though he has little hope of winning over even a single Republican law maker. Republicans have called on him to discard his proposals and start working with them on a new one.

But the White House hopes that by including elements of Republican plans, Obama can win over Democratic law makers from conservative districts whose re-election hopes in November could be jeopardised by voting for the bill.

If he can generate stronger Democratic support, congressional leaders can use parliamentary maneuvers to bypass Republican objections.

Appearing yesterday before a White House audience of invited guests, many of them wearing white medical coats, Obama firmly rejected calls from Republicans to draft new legislation from scratch.

"I don't see how another year of negotiations would help. Moreover, the insurance companies aren't starting over," the president said, referring to a recent round of announced premium increases affecting millions who purchase individual coverage.