Amidst a series of criticisms concerning his approach to health care reform, President Obama will speak to Congress next week to detail his reform agenda. Nancy Cordes reports.
>> Nancy Cordes: White House aides say the President will use this rare address to Congress to finally give lawmakers and the public the specifics they've been begging for.
>>
Speaker: And again, I think it's going to be very clear, on that day, where the President believes we should go.
>> Nancy Cordes: Up until now, Mr. Obama had been content to leave the details of healthcare reform to Congress to hash out. But that wasn't working, says former Senator Bob Dole, who supports reform.
>> Bob Dole: There's just something that's not right about the President not taking ownership of the most important issue of the century. It's almost as through he was afraid to be president.
>> Nancy Cordes: Mr. Obama has been a dogged advocate, giving 27 speeches exclusively on healthcare and mentioning his chief objectives for reform in another 92 remarks.
>> President Obama: If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. If you're happy with your plan, you keep it. I have been as clear as I can be.
>> Nancy Cordes: Clear on the broad principles, maybe, but Democrats in Congress want more guidance on the nitty gritty.
>> Gerry Connelly: Do you or don't you want a public option? Do you or don't you favor the House approach or the Senate approach?
>> Nancy Cordes: Freshman Representative, Gerry Connelly says he needs to know where the President stands so he can sell that platform to his Virginia constituents.
>> Gerry Connelly: -- But it can't be our initiative. It has to be his initiative.
>> Nancy Cordes: Why?
>> Gerry Connelly: Well, because that's why we have our form of government. Presidents lead, and it's very hard to have 435 disparate voices coming out of the House of Representatives.
>> Nancy Cordes: All those competing voices have led to a lot of uncertainty. 67 percent of Americans in a new CBS poll say they simply do not understand what's in the healthcare bills. The President's speech next week in prime time may be his single best opportunity to clear up all the confusion.
>>
Speaker: And he can regain the footing he's lost if he sets out the agenda.
>> Nancy Cordes: Congressional Democrats say beyond the specifics, what they really want to hear is passion. The White House promises they'll get it. Maggie.
>>
Maggie: Nancy Cordes in Washington. Thanks, Nancy.
==== Transcribed by Automatic Sync Technologies ====
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