At U-Md., Obama Calls on Young Adults to Back Health-Care Reform

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Obama Rallies Students at U.Md

President Obama spoke to a large crowd at the University of Maryland hoping to infuse a new sense of enthusiasm in young Americans about the health-care debate.

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"Do you not like Obama?" shouted one.

"You were late," the officer said.

Rob Martinsen, a waiter at a College Park restaurant who could not attend the event because his shift starts at noon, came to see the spectacle nonetheless.

"I thought there might be some good confrontations" between Obama followers and the protesters, Martinsen said, adding that he counts himself in the "followers" group. "Too bad, though, everyone is on their best behavior."

Martinsen said he hasn't followed the details of the health-care debate, but he supports whatever option will get him cheap health care. He said that means either government subsidies, or "people need to start tipping their waiters better. Fifteen percent isn't going to buy me insurance."

Martinsen chatted briefly with a woman handing out literature arguing against Obama's plan, but he walked away unconvinced.

"Their main point is it's expensive, but that shouldn't matter too much," he said. "Health care is a right."

Staff writer Hamil R. Harris contributed to this report.