Obama defends Democrats-only health bill

President Barack Obama has defended the idea of pushing health care overhaul legislation through Congress with no Republican votes.

It was a rare public declaration from the president in support of the controversial procedure that congressional leaders have been mapping out behind closed doors. Democrats no longer control a filibuster-proof 60 votes in the Senate, so if they want to pass comprehensive health legislation, their only option may be to use Senate rules allowing for a simple majority vote.

The tactic infuriates Republicans although they used it when they were in control. At Thursday's health care summit, Republican Sen. John McCain denounced it.

Obama replied that the public isn't too interested in Senate procedures. But he said, "I think most Americans think that a majority vote makes sense."

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