Community Corner

The president and many other Democrats, especially those facing re-election, had hoped the conversation would be back on the economy by now.

The president planned to focus on the argument that the costs of failing to pass legislation would be higher insurance premiums and lost coverage for individuals and businesses.

Even Democratic House members worried about re-election will come through on a health vote, their leader said on Sunday.

Seeing no prospect of bipartisan agreement on health care, Congressional Democrats said that they would make another effort to pass sweeping health care legislation on their own.

Narrative choices designed to frighten were at the heart of the marathon health care summit meeting on Thursday.

The president did not seem to win over any Republicans, and seemed to end the day largely where he started, with little choice but to rally his Democrats to act on their own.

President Obama and Congressional Republicans sparred over health care during an all-day televised forum, with Republicans repeatedly urging the president to scrap his bill and start over.

From the seating arrangements to the camera positions and buffet lunch — not to mention the talking points — Thursday’s health care session has been carefully orchestrated.

President Obama will propose giving the federal government new power to block excessive rate increases by insurers, as he rolls out comprehensive health care legislation.

With no clear path on major health legislation, Democratic leaders in Congress effectively slammed the brakes on the president’s top domestic priority.