Doctors Boo Obama

Well, that's the headline from one Associated Press story.

Analysis: Doctors' boos show Obama's tough road

Barack Obama isn't used to hearing boos.

For all the young president's popularity, the response he got Monday from doctors at an American Medical Association meeting was a sign his road is only going to get rockier as he tries to sell his plan to overhaul the nation's health care system.

The boos erupted when Obama told the doctors in Chicago he wouldn't try to help them win their top legislative priority — limits on jury damages in medical malpractice cases.

But what could they expect? If Obama announced support for malpractice limits, that would set trial lawyers and unions — major supporters of Democratic candidates — on the attack. Not to mention consumer groups.

Every other group in the health care debate has a wish list and a top priority. Insurers don't want competition from the government. Employers don't want to be told they have to offer medical coverage to their workers. Hospitals want to stave off Medicare cuts. Drug companies want to charge what the market will bear.

Obama can't give all of them what they want. Instead, he's got to figure what's just enough to keep as many groups as possible on board — without alienating others. It's a fine line for him — and sometimes for them.

Now if you read this AP dispatch, posted around the same time, you might get a different impression.

AMA gives Obama standing ovations and a few boos

Doctors gave President Barack Obama several standing ovations and a few boos during his speech on health reform at the group's annual meeting.

AMA leaders say Obama's comments Monday signal an understanding of the central role doctors play in health care, and a willingness to work with them to achieve health reform.

Obama drew boos when he mentioned capping malpractice awards. Dr. Nancy Nielsen, AMA's president, said Obama's comments weren't a surprise since he has voiced opposition in the past.

Confused? Well, the second headline is in his hometown paper, so figure it out.

Meanwhile, apparently he had to fly to Chicago to address this alleged crisis, but he's oddly silent on a real crisis.

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