Remarks by the President at a Tele-Town Hall with Seniors

11:41 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, everybody.  Thank you.  Thank you so much.  Everybody, please have a seat.  Well, it is wonderful to see all of you.  I want to thank Fran for that wonderful introduction.  And I want to make a few acknowledgements before I make some opening remarks.

First of all, we’ve got one of the best secretaries of Health and Human Services that we’ve ever had in Kathleen Sebelius.  Please give her a big round of applause.  (Applause.)  I want to thank Governor O’Malley for joining us here today, for his terrific efforts.  (Applause.)  I want to acknowledge our wonderful senior senator from the great state of Maryland — Barbara Mikulski is here.  (Applause.)  Ben Cardin couldn’t be here, but he’s wonderful too, so give him a round of applause.  (Laughter and applause.)  We got U.S. Representative Chris Van Hollen here.  (Applause.)  And U.S