United States President Barack Obama is battling slumping poll numbers as he tries to counter the growing criticisms of his economic and health policies.
Mr Obama has used a prime time media conference to defend his campaign to overhaul America’s health system, calling it vital to pulling the economy back from the brink.
It was his 10th news conference since taking office six months ago and the timing was critical.
The President held it during prime time in the US to guarantee a national television audience. And he did it in a bid to convince Americans and the Congress to back his ambitious health care reforms.
“This debate is not a game for these Americans and they can’t afford to wait any longer for reform. They’re counting on us to get this done. They’re looking to us for leadership and we can’t let them down,” he said.
With the US in a deep recession, unemployment rising and the deficit ballooning, healthcare reform is set to be Barack Obama’s biggest test yet.
Forty-seven million Americans do not have health insurance but the President’s far reaching plans to bring affordable health care to all Americans have left many worrying who will foot the bill.
The growing public unease with his approach is partly due to an onslaught from his Republican critics and some within his own Democratic Party remain sceptical.
But Barack Obama says the time is right for a health care overhaul.
“I’m the President of the United States so I’ve got a doctor following me every minute which is why I say this is not about me,” he said.
“I’ve got the best health care in the world. I’m trying to make sure that everybody has good health care, and they don’t right now. “ Read More EMR Stimulus Package