ABC News: "Even as a wave of conservative protestors took over Capitol Hill, House Democrats' health care bill picked up the support of several influential organizations that could turn the tide in their favor among the most concerned groups: medical professionals and senior citizens. President Obama this afternoon made a surprise appearance at the daily White House press briefing to thank AARP and the American Medical Association for throwing their weight behind the House Democrats' health care bill" (Khan, 11/5).
"Democrats hailed the backing of the AMA, the nation's largest doctors' group, as especially significant, since its position had been in doubt," The Wall Street Journal reports. "But the group's statement of support was lukewarm, saying the measure is 'not the perfect bill.' AARP, the largest senior citizens' organization, officially endorsed the bill, citing the fact that it would help lower drug costs for seniors and make it easier for older Americans who don't yet qualify for Medicare to buy insurance policies."
The Journal reports that Obama said the AMA "would not be supporting it if they really believed that it would lead to government bureaucrats making decisions that are best left to doctors… They would not be with us if they believed that reform would in any way damage the critical and sacred doctor-patient relationship" (Bendavid and Adamy, 11/6).