Obama makes final push for 'landmark' health reform bill

After returning from Capitol Hill, President Obama made a final, pre-vote plea for his health care plan in a Rose Garden appearance, urging lawmakers to pass what he called a "landmark" health reform bill.

"What we can do is choose a better future and pass a bill that brings us to the very cusp of building what so many generations of Americans have sought to build -- a better health care system for this country," he said.

Obama took no questions after reading a statement that lasted just under four minutes. The president and the first lady plan to fly later this afternoon to Camp David for the night.

In his statement, Obama did not lash out at opponents of health care reform as he often does. Instead, he called upon Democrats to meet the call of history and pass the bill. He said that in his meeting with the Democrats earlier, he reminded them of the legacy they can build.

"This is their moment," he said. "This is our moment to live up to the trust that the American people have placed in us. Even when it's hard. Especially when its hard. This is our moment to deliver."

He closed by saying: "I urge members of Congress to rise up to this moment, answer the call of history and vote yes for health insurance reform for America."