Obama pushes health bill at briefing

President Barack Obama touted healthcare bill support from the AARP and the American Medical Association (AMA) in a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room Thursday afternoon, urging Congress to pay attention to support from the two groups.

Even as protesters on Capitol Hill fought the legislation ahead of this weekend's House vote, Obama said that "we are closer to passing this reform than ever before."

Obama, who surprised reporters by appearing at the daily White House briefing, added that with the endorsement of the AARP, the largest seniors' group in the country, and the support of the AMA, "we are even closer."

Obama is planning to visit Capitol Hill on Friday to meet with House Democrats and urge support for what the Democratic leadership thinks will be a close vote Saturday.

"I urge Congress to listen to AARP, listen to the AMA, and pass this reform for millions of Americans," the president said.

Obama said he is "extraordinarily pleased and grateful" that both groups are offering their support for the legislation.

The president said the AARP is "no small endorsement," and they would not be backing legislation that was as hurtful as critics of the legislation have made it seem.

"So I want everybody to remember that the next time you hear the same tired arguments to the contrary from the insurance companies and their lobbyists," Obama said. "And remember this endorsement the next time you see a bunch of misleading ads on television."

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs declined to say if Obama would also endorse the House version of the bill when he meets behind closed doors with House Democrats on Friday.

"We'll tell you tomorrow after the meeting," Gibbs said, adding: "I don't know what he's going to say tomorrow because he hasn't said it."

Gibbs said the meeting is a chance for Obama to "make the case for getting healthcare reform done this year" and address concerns both moderate and liberal Democrats have about the proposal.

"I think they'll get a chance to talk about those concerns and ask some questions," Gibbs said of lawmakers.

When asked if the president's visit to the Hill was a sign of worry by Obama that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi does not have the votes to pass, Gibbs demurred.

"No, his visit is a sign of trying to continue to make progress and get this done," Gibbs said.

Gibbs also disputed the suggestion by some Senate Democrats that healthcare reform won't pass this year.

"Our goals remain the same," Gibbs said. "And the House and Senate believe we can get it done this year."