MA Gov defends near-universal healthcare

Speaking to both state and national audiences, Governor Deval Patrick defended the idea of government promoting near universal healthcare, even as he called on lawmakers, healthcare providers, and the business community to work jointly on controlling its cost. The twin targets reflected his role both as leader of the state and a top surrogate speaker for President Obama. The Democratic president is defending his federal healthcare overhaul from criticism by Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee who enacted the state's healthcare reforms when he preceded Patrick as Massachusetts governor.