Dem urges Obama to not 'give up' on healthcare

A leading House liberal urged President Obama to not "give up" on healthcare reform, suggesting a growing discontent within the Democratic Party's progressive wing.

"It is too soon to give up on the fight for true health reform," said Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has partial jurisdiction over health reform.

Weiner laid down the gauntlet for Obama's healthcare speech tomorrow, demanding the President stand up to his conservative critics.

"Wednesday night will either mark the beginning of the battle or the sad start of a retreat," Weiner said. "Only the President can decide which."

Weiner willl offer legislation to establish single-payer healthcare, the favored option of many House liberals but considered politically impratical by most others.

The New York Democrat has previously accused Obama of failing to lead on healthcare reform.