Obama to work to solidify support for health bill

By ERICA WERNER (AP)

WASHINGTON — After months of turmoil, President Barack Obama is calling Senate Democrats to the White House to say it’s time to come together and pass legislation embracing a wholesale remodeling of America’s health care system.

The meeting set for Tuesday afternoon comes a day after Senate Democratic leaders suggested they were ready to abandon the last vestiges of a government-run insurance program that liberals have long sought, in order to placate moderates and secure the 60 votes they need to overcome united GOP opposition.

Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is racing to finish the sweeping bill by Christmas. There’s not a vote to spare in the 60-member Democratic caucus, and Obama planned to drive the unity message home. Read More…