By Scott Wilson President Obama said Thursday he is "extraordinarily pleased and grateful" for the AARP and American Medical Association endorsements of the health care reform legislation moving through the House of Representatives. "We are closer to passing this reform than ever before," Obama said. "And now that the doctors and medical professionals of America are standing with us; now that the organizations charged with looking out for the interests of seniors are standing with us, we are even closer." Obama made his remarks during a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room, and his decision to do so appeared designed to generate momentum for the bill heading into a decisive weekend. Obama is scheduled to travel to the Hill Friday to speak with House Democrats about the importance of passing the legislation. A House vote is scheduled for Saturday, the first of several key Congressional floor votes