With the crowd and some of the questions hand picked by the White House, it wasn't surprising that it was more PR than anything else. Heck, that's what most White House events are about, no matter the party.

"I believe we can accomplish it this year," the President said of reform. "But in order to make it happen, I'm going to need ordinary Americans to stand up and say, 'Now is the time.'"

The message from Mr. Obama was one he's been repeating for weeks, that the status quo is not acceptable. He said that's what the special interests want.

"But when the American people decide that something needs to happen, nothing can stop us," said the President.

Is Congress listening on this break week? Oh sure, some lawmakers are, but for the most part, the heavy lifting that wasn't finished at the end of last week probably won't be finished next week either, especially how to pay for reform.

The President renewed his public support yesterday for his plan to raise money by lowering the deductions allowed on tax returns for top earners.

But that's gotten a cold shoulder from many in the Congress so far. Maybe it will change. Maybe it won't.

If there's no plan by the end of the first week in July from the Democrats on how to finance reform, it could be a long month.

Stay tuned for the fireworks after July 4th.