Oklahoma supporters rally for health reform

WASHINGTON — Even as liberals urge President Barack Obama to demand far-reaching changes to the health care system, the White House signaled openness Thursday to compromises that might attract moderate Democrats as well as some Republicans.

Obama believes in "fundamental principles” about overhauling health care, adviser David Axelrod said, but "he’s not dogmatic about how we get there.”

The comments did not definitively answer how hard Obama will push for his proposal, including health insurance for virtually all Americans and a government-run plan. But his diplomatic tone was in keeping with the administration’s approach of refusing to flatly demand several parts that are dear to Democratic activists.

Associated Press