President Barack Obama is defending himself against criticism from some black leaders who say he isn't showing enough compassion for the plight of regular blacks.
Obama said Monday that polls show overwhelming support for what his administration is trying to do.
The president said the healthcare bill moving closer to final passage in the Senate will help the one in five blacks who don't have health insurance. He says it will make coverage more affordable for them.
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He also discussed billions of dollars in the stimulus bill used to save the jobs of teachers, police officers and firefighters. Obama said many of those workers are black.
Obama commented in an Oval Office interview with American Urban Radio Networks.
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