Politics

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) ― Thousands of people filled Target Center on Saturday to hear President Barack Obama press the case for changing America's health care system, some lining up overnight to assure themselves of a spot.

A smattering of protesters outside opposed Obama's initiative, mixing with many more who support his plan. The atmosphere was light, though one woman carrying a "Liar, Liar" sign was roundly booed by those waiting to enter the arena.

Geraldine Keenan-Friday, a 44-year-old nurse from suburban Woodbury, showed up 15 hours early, saying she was angered that Obama was heckled during his speech to Congress on health care this week and was determined to show her support.

"There isn't going to be something we all agree on," Keenan-Friday said. "But we do need to pass something -- something agreeable to the majority."

The Democratic president wants to put new restrictions on insurance companies and to extend medical coverage to those who lack it. The proposal has bogged down over cost and the government's role in the health care market.

Gerry Giorgio, a 53-year-old Coon Rapids man who works for a supermarket chain, said he was firmly Republican before voting for Obama last fall. He said Obama is hitting the right note on health care.

"The middle class is being pinched financially by insurance coverage, by insurance rates," Giorgio said.

He said Republicans are being naysayers without presenting serious alternatives. Giorgio said he'd prefer a bipartisan solution, but Democrats should get a plan to Obama even if they can't get the other side to go along.
Minnesota GOP Rep. John Kline told reporters on a Republican National Committee conference call before the speech that Republicans can't work with "a plan without any details."

"We don't know what it is he is selling," Kline said. Kline said many Republicans are willing to back health care changes that allow young people to stay on their parents insurance longer. He also spoke favorably about steps to keep people between jobs from losing insurance.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, a Democrat, worked the crowd to tell people they have to stay engaged beyond the rallies and town halls.

"People know the system is broken. The majority of people want significant health care changes and we're tired of having a few people spreading misinformation and controlling the debate," Rybak said, scanning the crowded assembly. "This is the silent majority."

People on different sides of the health debate held spirited but peaceful protests outside the arena.

A trio of men strummed their guitars as they sang a song with the chorus "health care for everyone." The crowd chanted Obama's name and cheered a sign that read: "Death Panels Already Exist -- They're Called Insurance Companies."

But Obama took some heat, even from within his own party.

Liberal Democrats vented over a plan they said doesn't go far enough toward universal, single-payer health care. Republicans blasted him for seeking too much government involvement.

Soren Sorensen, 35, of Minneapolis, didn't think Obama's plan went far enough. He handed out pamphlets and circulated a petition outside the arena calling for a single-payer national health care program.

"We believe health care is a human right," Sorensen said. "We would hope Obama has come here to be pushed in the right direction."

Marc Bourdeaux, 40, a self-employed contractor, held a hand-painted sign that mocked Obama's campaign mantra. "Change? I'd Like Mine Back," it read.

"I have four kids of my own and a family to take care of," said Bourdeaux, of suburban Lakeville. "In this recession, I have enough trouble just paying for my own family much less the people in the country that want my tax money for their health insurance."

Bourdeaux said he doesn't want his party to give in. "I hope they don't temper it. I hope they stick to their guns," he said of Republicans. As for Democrats, he added, "If they are going to push it through on their own, they should own it."

Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan said no arrests had been made as of midday.

He called in 50 officers on overtime and turned to neighboring police agencies and sheriff's department to handle security for the event. Dolan said he expected the department's costs to top $20,000.

It was a busy day for the city's police force, with a midday Twins game at the nearby Metrodome and the first-ever game at the University of Minnesota's new on-campus football stadium Saturday night.

Obama referenced the football game at the top of his speech, saying he would wish the Gophers luck "but they're playing Air Force, and I have to fly home on one of their planes in a few hours."

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Obama arrived at the 133rd Airlift Wing headquarters in St. Paul aboard Air Force One just after noon Saturday, along with U.S. Senators from Minnesota Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken.

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