MSNBC commentary on Obama press conference

By GottaLaff

Fineman: Didn't make news on health care. Stepped on own headlines with "Skip" Gates issue.

Dr. Nancy: Insurance industry in crosshairs.

Chris Matthews: Save money by squeezing insurance companies.

Dr: They were the villain tonight.

Rachel's up next.

Most pointed question from L.A. Times: Health care negotiations not on CSPAN, hiding White House visitor list. Are you fulfilling tranparency promise?

A: You've been in there taking pictures, and we sent a letter out of list. CSPAN covered our kickoff event, and at some point you get into all kinds of different meetings. If they wanted those to be on CSPAN, I'd welcome it. TARP: Let me look at what we haven't provided. We've been more transparent than previous administration. I'll get back to you.

Fineman: Not a lot of news. He didn't declare more specifically, forcefully what he wanted to see in the bill... that was absent. He needs to be more excited, about the future. He seemed tired. Same list of non-talking points. Missed an opportunity. Needed excitement.

Could have to do w/ the fact that he's in the middle of negotiations. Didn't want to show his cards? Then put it in human terms. Not like Ronald Reagan telling stories of people.

Robert Gibbs: Obama has worked with police on issue of racial profiling... made a joke to him about "don't get locked out tonight." But it's a serious issue. We've come a long way, still have work to do.

Rachel: Police may not joke about Pres. "they acted stupidly" remark.

Gibbs: He has tremendous respect for police. He's working with them. The charges were dropped. We'll watch this case.

Rachel: Health care. He's not blaming Republicans, but dissatisfied with misinformation.

Gibbs: That you'll lose your doctor, jack deficit up, etc. We will cover American cut costs, choice, competition. Some R's have even said it's about politics. That's not what Americans want/deserve, especially in health care. Average family will see premiums double in next decade if we do nothing.

Rachel: Realistic deadline? Plan B?

Gibbs: A few stages. We hope they'll finish before Aug. recess. In fall, we'll make sure it gets to Pres. desk. We are not rushing it thru. This is only the first stage of the process. It's been 40 years. If we do nothing, more will lose health care, insurance companies will discriminate against pre-existing conditions.

Rachel: Transparency, L.A. Times question. Obama is using Cheney's reasoning.

Gibbs: We released the names of those visiting about health care. L.A. Times refers to ongoing litigation. Our W.H. did release executives' names today. We're reviewing policy of previous admins. on release of records of those getting into WH, and hope to make those transparent in the future.