Anti-Obama

Although few in the crowd would have voted for Mr Obama in November, the demonstration was watched closely by the White House because the anger speaks to wider public misgivings about Mr Obama’s presidency.

In recent weeks, because of concerns about the deficit and rising spending, a growing number of independents and moderate Democrats – crucial to his victory last year – are deserting him, according to polls.

Mr Obama acknowledged in a television interview last night that he will “own” any health reform legislation, and that if it does not ultimately lower rapidly rising costs, he will be blamed.

“I intend to be President for a while and once that bill passes, I own it. And if people say ‘You know what? This hasn’t reduced my costs, my premiums are still going up’ I’m the one who’s going to be held responsible. So I have every incentive to get this right.”

The White House is making enormous efforts to woo Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine, a Republican who supports a compromise Bill. With the death of Mr Kennedy, her support would probably give Mr Obama the 60 votes he needs in the upper chamber to see off a Republican filibuster.

There is also growing confidence that a nascent liberal revolt in the House can be contained. The powerful liberal caucus has demanded that any plan contains a government-run health option – something that will never pass the Senate.

A compromise, which would allow a public option to be introduced at a later date and which has been proposed by Ms Snowe, now appears likely.