Obama puts health reform to nation

With his popularity dipping and Republicans on the attack, Mr Obama called a news conference to argue that changes are needed both to guarantee healthcare for the tens of millions of Americans without insurance, and for the financial stability of the US.

In the first six months of his presidency, Mr Obama has confronted critical problems including soaring unemployment, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a deadline to shut Guantanamo Bay - but it is the healthcare debate that now towers above all other issues.

The stakes are huge for the president, who is putting much of his credibility on the line to gain passage of the legislation, and at least one Republican said it could prove to be Mr Obama's Waterloo if the drive collapses.

But Mr Obama insisted in his address: "This isn't about me."

He cited examples of Americans whose insurance would not cover cancer treatment or who went into debt after emergency surgery.

"This debate is not a game for these Americans, and they cannot afford to wait for reform any longer," he said.

He argued that making health coverage affordable and sustainable is so vital that anything less will erode the economic stability of families, businesses and even the government.

He noted that Americans "spend much more on health care than any other nation but aren't any healthier for it."

He wants Congress to vote on comprehensive healthcare bills before Washington grinds to a halt for the summer recess in August, although analysts say that timetable is growing tenuous.