US President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton have reunited to promote the new health care law Obama championed after Clinton's own efforts at reform years earlier fell flat.
Joining forces in a hotel ballroom in New York on Tuesday, Obama and Clinton laid out the law's benefits and connection to the economy, while dispelling what they called disinformation about its downsides.
Clinton, acting as host, lobbed the questions; Obama answered with the eagerness of a guest on a daytime TV talk show.
From October 1, uninsured Americans will be able to buy health coverage on new insurance exchanges, marketplaces that offer high-quality insurance for "less than the cost of your cell phone bill," Obama says.
"I don't have pride of authorship for this thing, I just want the thing to work," he said, adding he was confident Americans will be swayed by its advantages even though polls show they're deeply wary of the law.
The hour-long appearance marks the start of a campaign by the Obama administration and its allies to inform consumers about their options under the law.
Aware that a lack of participation could imperil its success, Obama noted the "unprecedented effort" by conservatives to block it, then repeal it, then scare Americans out of signing up for coverage.
The Republican-controlled House has voted dozens of times to repeal, delay or starve the law of funds, arguing that it is hurting the economy and none of the bills have advanced in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
"Normally, this would be pretty straightforward," Obama said.
"But let's face it. It's been a little political, this whole Obamacare thing."
Original source: obama - Google News
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