9:17 PM: Obama responds to Clinton criticism of his health care plan
Barack Obama countered Clinton's claims that he wasn't for universal health care, declaring that Ted Kennedy and SEIU wouldn't have endorsed him if he wasn't committed to that cause.
Obama seemed to be responding to an ad from the Clinton campaign when he said that his plan will cover any one who doesn't have health coverage and wants it.
"If you do not have health insurance and you want coverage, you will have it under my plan," he said. "Any other suggestion is simply false."
Obama said the Clinton plan would "go after wages" if a person refused to pay into the plan, an idea he said doesn't address the root cause of why Americans are uninsured.
"I believe the reason people don't have (health insurance) is because they can't afford it," he said.
He also jabbed at another one of Clinton's recent lines of attack against him.
"All of us should be in the solutions business, but too often it ends up business as usual," he said.
He said Washington isn't lacking in good ideas, but "lobbyists crush them," he said.
"Washington is the place where good ideas go to die," he said.
Obama systematically addressed criticisms of his campaign before Democrats tonight during a speech that brought the crowd to its feet at several points.
Obama addressed the contention that he's not experienced enough to lead the country, that he's not been in Washington long enough.
"We don't need someone who can play the game better," Obama said, "we need someone who can put an end to the game playing."
He also addressed concerns that he's untested, and hasn't faced the Republican in an aggressive campaign yet.
"I'm from the South Side of Chicago," Obama said. "I'm skinny but I'm tough, and I'm looking forward to a debate with John McCain."
While expressing respect for McCain he said he "made some bad choices about the company he keeps" and that he has supported all of Bush's "failed policies."
"If he wants a 100 year war in Iraq, that's one reason not to give him four years in the White House," Obama said.
He also addressed criticism that he may be a good speaker, but lacks experience or substance.
"This argument ignores the 20 years I've spend devoted to public service at every level," Obama said.
Obama said said it's important for a president to be able to engage people and inspire them and make politics cool, important and relevant again.
"The American people want to be believe in change again; don't tell me words don't matter," Obama said. "Don't tell me ideals and inspiration doesn't matter."
While those moved by his words cheered frequently, one fan stood out.
"I love you," one woman shouted.
"I love you back," Obama quickly replied.
Listen to his speech here
Read his prepared remarks here.
-- By Greg Bump and Dave Wise
Labels: 2008 spring primary