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Obama will try to work political magic on skeptics before November elections

Jennifer Loven / Associated Press

Washington -- Even with victory in hand, President Barack Obama can't put health care to rest.

He still has to sell skeptical Americans on the benefits he claims for the massive overhaul Congress finally approved -- and try to save the political skins of fellow Democrats who put their jobs in jeopardy by voting with him.

The White House's chief goal after the health care debate was to be a change in focus to jobs measures and populist issues -- intended to be music to the ears of Americans suffering from high unemployment and a limping economic recovery. That's still the case, but the health overhaul is bound to be a major issue through the November elections and beyond.

Despite the year of caustic debate, Obama emerges with a stronger hand.