Obama Remarks in Health Care at G-8 Presser

Asked about apparent problems in Congress, when he's going to make personal push:

"We jumped in with both feet. Our team is working with members of Congress every day on this issue and it is my highest legislative priority over the next month. So I think it's important just to recognize we are closer to achieving serious health care reform that cuts costs, provides coverage to American families, allows them to keep their doctors in plans that work for them. We're closer to that reform than any time in recent history. That doesn't make it easy. It's hard... this is not simply a Democratic versus Republic issue, this is a House vs. Senate issue... And my job is to make sure I've set some clear parameters of what I want to achieve... There are going to be some tough negotiations in the days and weeks to come but I'm confident we're going to get it done. Appropriately all of you as reporters are reporting on the game. What I'm trying to keep focused on is the people all across states in the country that are getting hammered with premiums... And I'm also looking at the federal budget...."

Is it pretty much do or die by the August recess?

"I never believe anything is do or die but I really want to get it done by the August recess."