Katie Couric's Notebook: History Lesson

By: Katie Couric
Topics: Katie Couric's Notebook

Picture it: with the summer recess behind him, a young President prepares to deliver the most important speech of his first term in office. The topic - health care reform. Amid controversy and confusion, his task is to explain exactly what he hopes to achieve and how he plans to do it.

I'm talking about former President Bill Clinton. It was September, 1993.

Tonight, another young President will deliver his September song to a tough crowd on a really tough topic.

Before President Clinton's speech, just 13 percent of the nation understood his health care plan. And by mid-October of that year, the number was just 18 percent.

For President Obama to be successful in his effort, he's going to need a much bigger return than that.

The commander-in-chief needs to play educator-in-chief and explain simply and specifically what he hopes to achieve and how he plans to do it before history repeats itself.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.

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by wils75 September 10, 2009 9:44 AM EDT: We are on the verge of the most important legislation in decades and your pre-speech coverage nit-picked at Obama for shaking hands and greeting woman with a peck on the cheeck because of H1N1 - are you kidding me? Good thing for everyone in that room, they all have wonderful lifelong health insurance.; Reply to this comment

by kyconcern September 10, 2009 12:51 AM EDT

I believe that he is refered to as President Obama, not Mr. Obama as said in Ms. Couric's news cast. I believe that it is a title that he has earned.

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by govmess September 10, 2009 7:09 PM EDT: Just how has he earned it?


by john247365 September 9, 2009 9:07 PM EDT: Bob Scheifer is misreading what President Obama said. He said he will make sure those of us not as fortunate as Ms. Couric, or Mr. Scheifer will be covered. He was willing to let loose of the public option in favor of another solution that will cover those of us un, and underinsured. Quit spinning to the right!; Reply to this comment


by john247365 September 9, 2009 8:59 PM EDT: Ms. Couric, I don't think you were spinning as fast to the right as you could tonight during the introduction to the President's speech. Why didn't you show the petitions signed for the public option? I know you could spin faster to the right. Could it be that you are one of the people making over 250,000 a year? Could it be that your just spiritual and receiving for the self alone?; Reply to this comment


by john247365 September 9, 2009 8:53 PM EDT: Ms. Couric how fast to the right can you actually spin. Because tonight in your introduction to the President's speech, I don't think you were spinning as fast to the right as you can. Could it be Ms. Couric that you are one of those making over 250,000 a year and would have to pay a little more in taxes? Why how spiritual of you to desire to receive for the self alone.; Reply to this comment