Obama Hits and Misses

Speech Rallies His Backers, Leaves Bruises

• By Keith Koffler and Tory Newmyer
• Roll Call Staff
• Sept. 16, 2009, Midnight

President Barack Obama’s speech to Congress last week galvanized House Democrats to help him push through his health care plan — but lawmakers and their aides say it is increasingly clear the president also left some wounds festering and caused new ones to open.