Day 45
March 5, 2009
"We're really just thrilled that our new neighbors took notice of what we're doing."
— Sara Gibson, spokeswoman for Miriam's Kitchen, praising First Lady Michelle Obama for doling out food at the local soup kitchen just seven blocks from the White House
"The status quo is the one option that is not on the table. And those who seek to block any reform at any cost will not prevail this time around."
—President Obama, defending his decision to undertake a major overhaul of the health-care system, during opening remarks at his health-care summit
Michelle Obama tries to show she's a good neighbor by pitching in at a local soup kitchen and getting her hands dirty, while her husband convenes lawmakers and experts at the White House to begin figuring out how to get health-care reform on the right track. The health summit closes on an inspiring note, with ailing Senator Ted Kennedy praising the job the President is doing on an issue now closer to his heart, saying, "This time we will not fail."
The same day, Homeland Security and Housing and Urban Development secretaries visit New Orleans to get a firsthand look at how the city is rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina. Also, Brad Pitt swings through Capitol Hill to meet with Speaker Nancy Pelosi about environmentally sustainable housing for low-income residents who lost their homes in the hurricane.