An array of top elected Democrats were on hand, including Gov. Martin O'Malley and every Democratic member of the state's congressional delegation except Rep. Frank Kratovil, whose district voted heavily for Republican John McCain last fall. An aide said Kratovil had to attend two committee hearings instead.
Obama, making his first public appearance in the state as president, other than a commencement speech at the Naval Academy in May, mangled references to two Maryland politicians. During the ritual introduction of elected officials in the crowd, Obama referred to state Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., as "Tom" and demoted him to majority leader. He called Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger of Baltimore County "Butch."
Obama referred to a $25 million demonstration project, fleshed out earlier in the day by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, that would pay states up to $3 million over three years to test ways of reducing "frivolous lawsuits" for medical malpractice and lowering the liability premiums paid by doctors.
Obama made medical liability part of his health care plan as a way of showing that he was interested in reaching out to Republicans but said again Thursday that it is not a "silver bullet" for major cost cuts. Proponents of curbing malpractice lawsuits have criticized the president for failing to endorse the idea of capping jury awards for pain and suffering.
The president was introduced by Rachel Peck, a 20-year-old junior, who spoke of her diagnosis of thyroid cancer and the continuing treatments that she will require after leaving college. Unless Congress approves his plan to make insurance companies cover everyone who applies, Obama said, Peck would have trouble getting health insurance after she graduates because of her medical history.
The Maryland rally was the fourth event in a week that Obama devoted, at least in part, to promoting his health care overhaul. He is scheduled to appear on five Sunday talk shows this weekend and on David Letterman's "Late Night" program Monday.
The crowd, which filled about three-quarters of the arena, began lining up in the pre-dawn hours.
"Obama's trying to do a great thing," said Syrus Nourbakhsh, 18, of Highland, who found hundreds of people ahead of him at 5:30 a.m. "He's trying to get the students' support because that was his main base in the election."
