A National Health Care Debate

With first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton leading the charge, the White House wrote the measure with little input from lawmakers or interest groups. Stakeholders on all sides complained they were shut out of the process. Clinton's veto threat also limited his room to negotiate.

Now, Obama is making a point to consult openly with people.

Even before he took office, he used his campaign apparatus to encourage people to hold open meetings across the country to discuss the matter. The White House says more than 30,000 people attended more than 3,000 meetings in 50 states and Washington, D.C.

On Thursday, more than 120 people from all sectors -- and with a wide range of viewpoints -- were taking part in the program. They included longtime health reform heavyweights, including the cancer-battling Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, and some people who helped kill Clinton's overhaul in the 1990s.

And, Obama is planning to hold a series of health care events around the country, including in rural areas, to solicit ideas and drum up support for his vision.