President Obama speaks to the public about health care

President Barack Obama unveiled a few more details of his comprehensive plan for health care reform in a press conference Wednesday evening.

While the president has pushed for health care reform since his first day in office, his push has become much more of a heave as he attempts to gain public support for a plan that may cost Americans billions of dollars.

Where is the money going to come from?

According to President Obama, the country’s wealthiest will face a surtax to help fund his health care which will provide insurance for the 50 million Americans who are currently without coverage. He did note, however, that much of the overhaul could be paid for by redirecting funds and eliminating wasteful spending.

Despite the president’s press conference and effort to gain public support, it is the support of Congress that matter most as Mr. Obama has given the House and Senate a midsummer deadline come up with legislation.

Meanwhile, the debate wages on in Congress as Republicans continue to voice their criticism. In response to one Republican’s comment that health care could be Mr. Obama’s waterloo, the president said, “This isn’t about me. I have great health insurance and so does every member of Congress.”

Arguments from the Right are to be expected but the president has recently heard rumblings from his party, primarily those moderates known as “Blue Dog Democrats.”

When questioned about his midsummer deadline for Congress to comprise a piece of legislation, Mr. Obama spoke of the letters he receives daily from uninsured Americans asking for help.

Though, he said, he would reject legislation drafted by Congress which taxes middle-class Americans as a means of funding a health care overhaul.

When asked if it is his job to ensure a deal on health care legislation, President Obama said, “Absolutely, it’s my job. I’m the president. And I think this has to get done.”