Obama Scoffs at Critics: 'It's Been a Week, Folks'

President says it's a wee bit early to begin judging reform
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Apr 1, 2010 3:08 PM CDT
Obama Scoffs at Critics: 'It's Been a Week, Folks'
President Obama rolls up his sleeves as he speaks about health care reform during an event at the Portland Expo Center, in Portland, Maine.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Facing a public still wary of his massive health care overhaul, President Obama urged Americans not to judge the nearly $1 trillion legislation he signed into law last week until the reforms take hold. During an enthusiastic, campaign-style appearance in Maine, Obama mocked the pundits and pollsters who say he isn't getting a boost from his yearlong campaign to pass the sweeping reform.

"Every day since I signed reform into law, there's another poll or headline that says, 'Nation still divided on health reform, no great surge in public support,'" he said. "It's been a week, folks. So before we find out if people like health care reform, we should wait to see what happens when we actually put it into place. Just a thought." He reiterated that Republicans pushing for repeal should "go for it." (More President Obama stories.)

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