We know health care reform is on everyone’s mind, but it seems like this summer President Obama has been on his grind pitching his plan all over the country. So it got us thinking, do you believe President Obama is overexposed? Has he been spending too much time with the public and not enough time behind his desk at the White House?
Our Washington correspondent, Cynthia Gordy, went out to ask these questions and more. Here’s what people had to say.
“I’m glad he’s out there talking about what’s going on. Before, people were concerned that the government didn’t hear them. He’s out there trying to say, ‘This is how I feel, and this is what I’m pushing for,’ instead of doing something behind the scenes and being secretive.”
“I think it’s interesting that some Americans are recoiling to the transparency that Obama promised. He and his fellow Democrats are giving Americans what they want—they want to see their legislators. It just kills me when I see people coming at him with talking points, and giving him a hard time instead of listening.”
President Barack Obama spoke at a town hall meeting on health care at the Shaker Heights High School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, on July 23. The President has continued to travel throughout the country trying to get everyday Americans to understand the ins and outs of his health care reform plan.
“No, I don’t think he’s overexposed. President Obama’s supposed to be the ‘People’s President,’ so he’s trying to get out to the people, give his opinion, and also hear what they have to say as much as possible. I think he’s doing great.”
“Yes, he’s becoming overexposed. There’s so many other things that are going on besides the health care debate. He could talk about other issues instead of focusing so much on this one thing because it starts to get repetitive.”
President Obama eats a peach (which yes, he paid for) following a town hall meeting at a Kroger’s supermarket in Bristol, Virginia, on July 29. Can you remember the last time a U.S. President gave a speech at the local grocery store?
“I don’t think he’s overexposed. He’s trying to get the right information out about what’s going on with his plan. He’s had to defend the facts, to make sure that people understand what’s true and what’s not. Unfortunately, it’s necessary that he be out in front to make sure the right messages are reaching the public.”
“No. There’s no such thing as too much exposure. The media is 24 hours, 360 degrees these days. The concept of overexposure doesn’t exist anymore. He just needs to stick to his guns, not waver and keep pushing on.”
“President is doing a great job by going around the country and sharing his intended policy with the people. He’s taken the position that he wants to connect with the people and have the policy intention come from his mouth to their ears, as opposed to having a lot of his staff do it.”
In one of his many recent town halls, President Barack Obama answered questions about health care reform as it pertains to people over 60. The event was sponsored by the folks at AARP.
“No, he’s not. That’s what he promised to do during his campaign—be more vigilant, open up the White House more, and make information available to the public. He’s doing absolutely the right thing.”
President Barack Obama continues to be a fan favorite even though some have questioned the amount of time he has spent traveling to discuss health care. Here he is signing books and photos at a fundraiser in Chicago last month.
“I don’t think so. Health care is a prime concern of the American people, given the limited amount of health care that low- to middle-income people receive. And with the rising unemployment rate, people are even less able to take care of themselves. He needs to be out there pushing.”
What do you think? Is President Obama too overexposed? Share your thoughts below.