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Obama Courts GOP Moderates, but Quietly

President seeks support on health care

By Sarah Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted May 18, 2009 10:29 AM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama would love to have a few Republicans in his corner on health care, but he’s keeping courting efforts low-key, Politico reports. Last week, chief of staff Rahm Emanuel invited a dozen moderate House Republicans to a casual White House meeting, and the president stopped by to chat. “They’re making an honest and overt effort to deal with Republicans,” said Delaware Rep. Mike Castle.

The cross-aisle outreach is also good for Republicans, trying to lose their negative image and show an interest in working with Obama. “I’m a big believer that more communication would help us bridge the gap,” said House Minority Leader John Boehner. But Obama says his efforts are nothing new. “I’ve had them over to the White House more than they were over in the White House during the Bush administration.”

President Obama speaks about health care reform, May 11, 2009.
President Obama speaks about health care reform, May 11, 2009.   (AP Photo)
White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel is seen Nov. 7, 2008.
White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel is seen Nov. 7, 2008.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama greets audience members on the South Lawn of the White House on Friday after he honored the 2008 World Series baseball champion Philadelphia Phillies.
President Barack Obama greets audience members on the South Lawn of the White House on Friday after he honored the 2008 World Series baseball champion Philadelphia Phillies.   (AP Photo)
President Obama speaks with Safeway President and CEO Steve Burd, right, as REI President and CEO Sally Jewell looks on during a meeting on health-care reform, May 12, 2009.
President Obama speaks with Safeway President and CEO Steve Burd, right, as REI President and CEO Sally Jewell looks on during a meeting on health-care reform, May 12, 2009.   (AP Photo)
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