Hoping For Audacity

On Friday...Bill Maher, above, gave a great set of "New Rules" and a critique of Obama regarding health care in the U.S.

Today ...Obama was in Chicago to the American Medical Association.Here are some highlights from his address:

"To say it as plainly as I can, health care reform is the single most important thing we can do for America’s long-term fiscal health. That is a fact. That’s a fact."

"If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. Period. If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan. Period. No one will take it away. No matter what."

"As Newt Gingrich has rightly pointed out - and I don't quote Newt Gingrich that often," Obama ad-libs, drawing laughter and applause: "We do a better job tracking a FedEx package in this country than we do tracking a patient’s health records."

Preventive care -- Obama wants more fitness, nutrition, etc. Says it's time to fight the "epidemic of obesity, which puts far too many Americans, young and old, at risk of costly, chronic conditions."

"You did not enter this profession to be bean-counters and paper-pushers. You entered this profession to be healers – and that’s what our health care system should let you be."

"A recent study, for example, found that only half of all cardiac guidelines are based on scientific evidence. Half,"

"Replicating best practices. Incentivizing excellence. Closing cost disparities. Any legislation sent to my desk that does not achieve these goals does not earn the title of reform."

"Alongside these economic arguments, there is another, more powerful one. It is simply this: We are not a nation that accepts nearly 46 million uninsured men, women, and children. We are not a nation that lets hardworking families go without the coverage they deserve; or turns its back on those in need. We are a nation that cares for its citizens. We are a people who look out for one another."





“QUESTIONS FOR THE PRESIDENT: PRESCRIPTION FOR AMERICA”

ABC News’ Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer to Moderate a Primetime Conversation with President Barack Obama about the Future of the Nation’s Healthcare System

Special Edition of “Primetime” to Air from the White House Wednesday, June 24th at 10pm ET

“Questions for the President: Prescription for America” will continue on “Nightline” at 11:35pm ET on Wed. June 24th.

“Good Morning America” and “World News” to Originate From the White House on Wednesday

“GMA” to Feature Exclusive Interview with President Obama

As the nation debates sweeping changes in healthcare, ABC News’ Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer will moderate a conversation with President Obama about this critical issue on the nation’s agenda. A special edition of Primetime “Questions for the President: Prescription for America” will air on Wednesday, June 24th from 10:00-11:00 PM ET on the ABC Television Network.