President Obama met with House Democrats, who hold press conference: Liveblog

By GottaLaff

I'm seeing hugs all around and a wave good bye by Prez O.

Presser by House Dems:

They look happy... smiles all around. Let's hope those aren't just pasted on.

Whip Jim Clyburn: Blah blah blah, historic, blah blah blah.... Today under leadership of Pelosi, Hoyer, etc...we are on the cusp of making a historical decision.

Pelosi:

ON this day we'll be making progress of the American people, and it's the 3rd anniversary of Democrats winning the House. So, the new direction we promised will be manifested today with the passage of this legislation.

Associate ourselves with those who passed Medicare and Social Security.

Couldn't help but think of Sen. Kennedy. It's about the character of our country, he said, in his letter to Prez O. Reminded that in that letter, he said: When I first came into public life we had a young pres. who inspired a generation, the world. As I leave, I have hope because we again have a young pres. who will inspire our country, new generation, and on behalf of our country, inspire the world.

He indeed is doing that, via his leadership. Today we will make not only history, but progress for America's working families.

Steny Hoyer, Majority Leader:

Thanking Jim Clyburn, others.... historic, blahblah... Insuring every American has opportunity to have quality affordable health care. First African American President... how proud we were that night in Chicago.... Barack Obama, the man from Illinois, said we need health care for every American, and he said it to every American. Every candidate who ran said the same thing. Today, we will reform health care for America in the House of Reps.

Every mom and dad will have hc for their child. That is not an option of them, it is a necessity for them. We'll vote for all those children and all those children...

Chairman of Dem. Caucus, John Larsen of Conn.:

Unbelievable caucus who create something unique for America. Must enjoin 36 million Americans who go without insurance, now they'll have that dream and commitment come true.

Becerra:

Pres. O urged us to be on the right side of history. It's a glorious day to write a page of American history...

Chris Van Hollen:

This is a historical moment, the 3rd anniversary of Dem majority in House. No more sweeping problems under the rug. HCR was at center of campaigns this week. Only 2 candidates would have a vote... those 2 were both Dems who were voted in... In one case, a district w/o a Dem for 150 years, Bill Owens. They're both here, joining to cast votes for HCR. Signal sent by American people on this issue.

Q: Stupak Amendment pass today?
Clyburn: We'll see. Not gonna predict, I never give out numbers.

Q: You were furious if included, true?
Pelosi: I recommended it come to floor as an amendment. But no, that was my rec.

Q: President add to numbers?
Clyburn: Don't know if he added to numbers, I haven't counted anything about numbers.

Q: Defeat purpose of meeting then?
Clyburn: Why would it do that? He's met with us many times before... We ask him to come when we need to come together as a caucus.

Hoyer: He came to emphasize how important this is. We're going to do it.

Alex Witt: I noticed an air of confidence.

Buchanan: Seemed like it, but then the body language said they feel confident about final passage, but unsettled on Stupak Amendment.

Fenn: Allowing Stupak vote was important enough that they recorded their feelings. Helpful in long term goal of passing. If they vote tonight, my sense is that they have 220-225 or even higher. President did stress the historic nature of this, my guess that resonated with them.