Here’s the lunch break pool report. Judging from Obama’s comments, it would seem he’s been reading Kate’s Swampland post.:
The pool was called outside at 12:03 pm.
Waited as the president took a few more speakers before breaking for lunch.
Around 12:55 pm, Boehner walked out, followed by Clyborn.
The pool shouted questions. Clyborn said he’d be back after the vote.
Obama came out next.
“I don’t know if it’s interesting watching it on TV,” said Obama, walking towards the White House. “But it’s interesting being a part of it.”
“I think we’re establishing that there are actually some areas of real agreement,” he said, stopping for a minute outside the gates. “And we’re starting to focus on what the real disagreements are. If you look at the issue of how much government should be involved, the argument that the Republicans are making really isn’t that this is a government takeover of health care but rather that we’re ensuring the — we’re regulating the insurance market too much. And that’s a legitimate philosophical disagreement. We’ll hopefully be able to explore it a little more in the afternoon.”