Reaction to Obama's visit to Iowa City

“There are some very good things in (the health care reform.) The concern is whether we'll have enough money to pay for it. I like the idea of supporting preventive health care. I think that's a very high priority.”

Dr. Francois Abboud, 79, of Iowa City, chairman of University of Iowa cardiovascular research.

“We're very interested in what he has to say because we worked very hard for him during the election. I think it's wonderful he came to Iowa City.”

Mary Larew, 77, of Iowa City, secretary of AFSCME Local 12.

“I think it's a historic event, just to have the opportunity to hear him speak. I'm a very conservative Republican. I'm more for free enterprise. I think the weaker systems will weed themselves out and the stronger will survive, but I understand his goal in wanting everyone to have access to health care.”

Bill Maxwell, 41, of Iowa City, University of Iowa strength coach.

“I'm a supporter of President Obama. I'm very happy with what we have (for health insurance.) I can't complain.”

Alan Herzog, 56, Vietnam-era veteran who is legally blind.

“I thought his speech was great. I was happy to hear what he was saying about tax credits for small business owners. That's a big plus.”

Dana Cooper, 42, of Cedar Rapids, project manager at GE Capital.

“I wanted to hear what President Obama had to say and provide my son (13-year-old Alec Dorau) the opportunity to see an elected official of his stature. I've been following health care reform a little bit. The fact that we have so many uninsured Americans is a travesty.”

Tuyet Dorau, 31, Coralville, Iowa City school board member.

“I've been very closely following health care reform as a dean and someone intimately involved in health care delivery and as a son of a mother with Alzheimer's who is in long term care. It's an important step forward. Let's say I have reserved optimism.”

Donald Letendre, 57, of Iowa City, Dean of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.

Linn County Supervisor Linda Langston said she understood Obama wanted to keep the focus on health care reform and didn't stop to see the flood recovery efforts in Cedar Rapids.

During a meeting with a small group of supporters and elected officials, Langston was able to give Obama a “one-pager” on the difficulties still being encountered with flood recovery, including those faced by small businesses.

“We said ‘there's still things that need to be done,'” Langston said. “He was interested.”