Feingold urges Obama to promise guaranteed health care, says he needs to win Wisconsin

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Middleton, said that likely Dem presidential nominee Barack Obama should expand his propsed health care plan.

Feingold said no one would fight stronger for Obama than him, but said that he wants Obama to "fight for guaranteed health care for every single American." Obama currently proposes an opt-in health care plan.

Feingold also told the delegates that they have to work hard to put Obama in the White House.

"If Barack Obama loses Wisconsin," Feingold said, "he loses the presidency. It's as simple as that."

Feingold said likely Republican nominee John McCain is not a "given" victory just because of anti-Republican sentiment.

Feingold also addressed criticism that he waited too long by endorsing Obama following his assured delegate victory. Feingold said he couldn't endorse someone against Clinton and her historic run for president, and that he respected her too much.

Feingold slammed General Motors for announcing the closing of the plant in his hometown of Janesville, saying the company turned its back on people who made a great product.

Listen to the speech.


-- By Matt Dolbey