The president reassured his listeners that government “would not meddle” with those who are satisfied with their health insurance or doctor.
He also addressed issues of concern to elderly people, calling the notion that his proposed changes to the health care system would lead to so-called death panels "just an extraordinary lie." The president added that, the idea that they would require federal funding for abortions or provide insurance for illegal aliens was not true and told callers the plan would not amount to a government takeover of health care or to cutting Medicare benefits for the elderly.
"These are fabrications that have been put out there in order to discourage people from meeting what I consider to be a core ethical and moral obligation and that is that we look out for one another," he said. "That I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper and in the wealthiest nation on Earth right now, we are neglecting to live up to that call."
Obama said the opposition to his bill was no surprise. "Throughout history, whenever we have sought to change this country for the better, there have always been those who wanted to preserve the status quo.” "These always boil down to a contest between hope and fear."
"I need you to knock on doors, talk to neighbors, spread the facts and speak the truth," he told religious leaders.
“I hope you will all help us move this process forward in the months to come, bye bye," concluded the President, taking no questions.
“40 Days for Health Reform” said the goal of the conference was to “focus on health care reform as a moral imperative, and how health reform will improve the lives of everyone.”
The President's decision to address the health care debate “directly and specifically with the faith community,” “demonstrates how important the faith community is to seizing this historic moment of opportunity to improve the lives of so many people in our country,” the organizers also said.
According to independent poll tracking conducted by the Rasmussen Report, 35% of American voters say passage of the health care bill currently working its way through Congress would be better than not passing any health care reform legislation this year, while 54% say no health care reform passed by Congress this year would be the better option.