Obama open to reining in medical suits

In closed-door talks, President Obama has been making the case that reducing malpractice lawsuits can help drive down healthcare costs and should be considered as part of any healthcare overhaul, according to lawmakers of both parties, as well as American Medical Association officials. It is a position that could hurt Obama with the left wing of his party and with trial lawyers who are major donors to Democratic campaigns. But one Democrat close to the president said Obama, who wants health legislation to have broad support, views addressing medical liability issues as a "credibility builder."