In a speech to the American Medical Association this morning, President Obama said his health care proposal will not be socialized medicine. He said that’s just “scare tactics and fear-mongering” by critics. Then, he proceeded to tell us that health care was a “ticking bomb” that could blow up the United States and its economy.

From AP:

“A big part of what led General Motors and Chrysler into trouble,” he said, “were the huge costs they racked up providing health care for their workers — costs that made them less profitable and less competitive with automakers around the world.”

“If we do not fix our health care system,” Obama said, “America may go the way of GM — paying more, getting less, and going broke.”

The politics of fear thing aside, it’s clear the President is trying to create a sense of urgency around health care. He even has the Treasury Secretary talking about it. Tim Geithner said this morning: “The path to fixing the economy does go through health care.”

The President is also taking over ABC’s airwaves for his push. June 24th, ABC airs “Questions for the President: Prescription for America,” a 10-11 PM ET special in which the President will answer questions from an audience chosen by ABC News. After that, “Nightline” continues the debate. Earlier in the day, “Good Morning America” and “World News” will originate from the White House.

Health care, health care, health care.

If it really is a ticking bomb, it must have a fuse the length of the Mississippi River. Health care reform’s been “on the table” for a couple decades now.

Let me ask you. Do you believe health care is the key to fixing the economy? And what do you hope to hear from the President’s proposals?