Obama Takes on Health Care at Critical Moment for Presidency

President Barack Obama will use an address to Congress and the nation tonight to try to overcome public confusion about plans to overhaul the health-care system and mend rifts among Democrats over whether to create a government-run competitor for private insurers.

Obama’s speech at 8 p.m. Washington time follows weeks of images of voters shouting at lawmakers about health care at town-hall meetings across the U.S. It also comes as public approval for his handling of the issue dropped to 42 percent in July from 51 percent in April, according to polls by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press.

“Obama has to speak compellingly and passionately about why this must be addressed so comprehensively now,” said Ken Duberstein, a former chief of staff to President Ronald Reagan. “It is also a critical moment for his presidency, for the broader agenda.”

Lawmakers are trying to extend coverage to millions of uninsured Americans and rein in health-care costs that account for about one-sixth of the world’s biggest economy. In addition to setting up a government program to offer people an alternative to companies such as Indianapolis-based WellPoint Inc., they’re considering requiring employers to provide coverage and placing new rules on insurers.

No Republican has supported any of the plans passed by four congressional panels. The Senate Finance Committee is still seeking a compromise, and a group of three Republicans and three Democrats on the panel will meet again today for further discussions.