President Obama will travel down Pennsylvania Avenue Friday to speak privately with House Democrats on the eve of a critical vote on health care.
The White House may be attempting to put more of a stamp on the legislation as it weaves its way through the halls of Congress, and administration officials have been forcefully pushing back against reports suggesting health care won't happen until next year.
Last night, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and administration health care staffers huddled with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and leadership senators Dick Durbin, Chuck Schumer and Patty Murray on Capitol Hill.
Leadership and administration officials were mum on the details.
Meanwhile, the DNC's Organizing for America has been urging supporters to phone their member of Congress before the Saturday vote.
"We expect it to be very close," Mitch Stewart, director of OFA, wrote to the campaign's 13 million-strong email list.

TPM Stories Now Surging on Digg.com

The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
November 5, 2009 10:38 AM
Yeah, got that email. Hopefully, OFA will forgive me for not acting on their urgent request that I call Virginia Foxx and ask her to vote "yes" on the House Democrats bill.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Indie Pro
November 5, 2009 10:54 AM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
as someone with the dubious honor over the years of contacting Sen Kay Bailey Hutchison, Sen John Cornyn, Rep Lamar Smith etc. I say do it anyway. They need to know you are out there and care.
Though I admit, these days I get Rep. Lloyd Doggett which is much better overall.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Powkat
November 5, 2009 11:26 AM in reply to Indie Pro
Agreed. Even if your rep is as bad as Foxx, do it anyway. My rep is solidly pro reform and I called just so they could put a hash mark on the pro side.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Walter Mitty
November 5, 2009 11:06 AM
Pelosi better have the votes counted before she puts it to the floor. If it's defeated it would be an epic setback. It's concerning that President Obama has to pay a visit, seemingly to rally up the vote.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
theone718
November 5, 2009 11:33 AM in reply to Walter Mitty
The fact that you believe Pelosi would allow herself to be embarassed that way is laughable my friend. She has the votes.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
PeninsulaMatt
November 5, 2009 12:40 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
Obama's track record for getting out the vote isn't so good in recent months: Corzine, Deeds, the Olympics... Hopefully he helps this time.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
VivaAmerica!
November 5, 2009 12:53 PM in reply to PeninsulaMatt
Health care is a great cause. Corzine and Deeds - no one cared for. Olympics - wtf?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?