On the Stump

Obama's Fiery Health-Care Plea

"If not now, when? If not us, who?"

In a Philadelphia rally reminiscent of Barack Obama's campaign days, the president criticized insurance companies, challenged his party members, and called for public support to get health-care reform passed. With a self-proposed deadline of March 18, the president has become vocal about his hopes to have the health-care bill signed into law. "My question to them is, 'When's the right time? If not now, when? If not us, who? Is it a year from now or two years from now or five years from now or 10 years from now?' I think it's right now, and that's why you're here today," said Obama. The bill's success depends on a two-step process beginning with the House's approval of the Senate's health-care bill followed by the passage of a followup bill. If the bill passes, it is expected to dramatically boost support for Democrats in November's mid-term elections, but that's only if they can get past their own party's reluctance. The president will make one more stop in St. Louis to conclude his health-care push on Wednesday.