IT'S HIGH NOON FOR OBAMA AND THE HEALTH CARE SHOWDOWN

First off, great quote by Press sec Robert Gibbs regarding the reaction to the School children sppech BEFORE it took place by many angry parents.

"It's a sad state of affairs that many in this country politically would rather start an 'Animal House' food fight rather than inspire kids to stay in school, to work hard, to engage parents to stay involved and to ensure that the millions of teachers that are making great sacrifices continue to be the best in the world,"

Former first lady Laura Bush defended the President's idea when she told CNN:

"I think that there is a place for the President of the United States to talk to school children and encourage school children, and I think there are a lot of people that should do the same,

Enough said on the school kid speech nonsense.

As for High Noon on Health care, the Prez will speak to the country tonight in a televised speech to a joint session of  Congress that HAS to change the game. Has to. The question is not whether Obama will give a repeat performance of his Labor Day tough talk approach when he asked emphatically to his detractors "what are your ideas!" Rising costs of health care are the number one problem that needs to be solved so Obama has to get clear and detailed as to how he'll attack this. Now. The main question will be how he will frame the biggest issue regarding the Health care debate: The public option. With the option ,come shouts of "government take over" and "Socialism." Obama needs to hold firm on the option and explain why the option is needed and is not Socialism. Finally, Obama has to decide whether to announce publicly that either way, he will try and let a bill get rammed through. Holding firm on the Public option and getting a bill passed no matter what will cost some political capital. The return on the risk will be if and  when the whole country is insured and the rising cost of care goes down.