CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Obama Gears Up to Promote Healthcare Reform Over the Weekend

Obama Gears Up to Promote Healthcare Reform Over the Weekend

President Obama is gearing up for a full blown media blitz this weekend to promote healthcare reform.

"It's about what kind of country you want to be,"said Obama.

We are the only nation on earth that leaves millions of people without health insurance," explained the President.

The President tailored his message to college students yesterday and will keep up the momentum Sunday.

He'll appear on five talk shows, a presidential first, and adding to the 66 TV appearances and 157 speeches he's already given on the issue.

And it doesn't stop there.

The President will reach out to a Late night audience Monday on "The Late Show with David Letterman"

He's also getting some help from one of his biggest supporters.

Before we lived in this beautiful house down the street, we lived on the outh side of Chicago,"said Michele Obama.

The first lady will do her part to spread the President's message later today.

She'll listen to the stories of women and families affected by the health care system.

President Obama says after a year of debate on healthcare reform Congress now agrees on about 80 percent of what needs to be done.

But, that last 20 percent could still be tough.

"Yes there are some words that are different, but it's still a path to a big government run health care program"the latest proposal crafted by senate finance committee chairman max baucus doesn't seem to be winning any republican support," said Rep. John boehner.

And at least one Democratic senator admits the bill needs more than just a few tweaks.

Lawmakers will haggle over any changes next week before the committee votes on the bill.

Only the first of many more hurdles.