Obama: It's overtime on health care, but we're in the red zone

“Suddenly everybody says, ‘Oh no, it’s over,’ ” Mr. Obama said in mocking tones. “Well, no, it’s not over. We just have to make sure that we move methodically and that the American people understand what’s in the bill.”

The strong emphasis on health care came a week after he did not mention it until deep into his State of the Union address, and he seemed intent on erasing any doubts about his commitment.

“We had to go into overtime,” Mr. Obama said. “But we are now in the red zone. That’s exactly right. We’re in the red zone. We’ve got to punch it through.”