
Former president Barack Obama has vigorously defended Obamacare as he called on members of Congress to show courage in the debate over the future of health care in America.

Obama was careful not to mention Donald Trump by name in Boston on Sunday night as he referenced the current administration's efforts to dismantle much of his signature health care law.

'I hope that current members of Congress recognize it takes little courage to aid those who are already powerful, already comfortable, already influential - but it takes great courage to champion the vulnerable and the sick and the infirm,' Obama said as he accepted the JFK Profile in Courage Award.

'I hope they understand that courage means not simply doing what's politically expedient, but doing what, deep in our hearts, we know is right.'

The former president applauded the members of Congress who did 'the right thing' in 2009 and 2010 when they took hard votes for the health reform law. He noted that many members of Congress risked and ultimately lost their seats when they voted for Obamacare.

'There was a reason why health care reform had not been accomplished before. It was hard...,' Obama said.

'These men and women did the right thing. They did the hard thing. Theirs was a profile in courage. Because of that vote, 20 million people got health insurance who didn't have it before.'

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Former president Barack Obama accepted the JFK Profile in Courage Award in front of the Kennedy clan on Sunday night

The former president was joined by wife Michelle as he was presented the political courage award by Caroline Kennedy in Boston on Sunday night

His 30-minute speech came just days after US House Republicans passed a bill that would dismantle much of his signature health care law. Obama has avoided commenting directly on Trump in his rare public appearances since leaving office in January and did not mention the businessman-turned-politician by name on Sunday.

He expressed his 'fervent hope' that members of Congress would look beyond party lines when considering the future of the country's healthcare system.

'As everyone here now knows, this great debate is not settled but continues,' Obama said. 'And it is my fervent hope, and the hope of millions that, regardless of party, such courage is still possible.

'That today's members of Congress, regardless of party, are willing to look at the facts and speak the truth even when it contradicts party positions.'

He also called for Americans to 'stand up to hate' during a time of polarization.

'For many Americans, I know that this feels like an uncertain and perilous time.

'At such moments, courage is necessary. At such moments, we need courage to stand up to hate, not just in others but in ourselves. At such moments, we need courage to stand up to dogma, not just in others, but in ourselves.

'Courage means not doing what is simply politically expedient but doing what [people] believe in their hearts is right. And this kind of courage is required of all of us.'

The former president focused much of his address on the legacy of President Kennedy.

The ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on Sunday night was among Obama's first public appearances since leaving office. At the same time as Obama was giving his televised speech, President Trump remained on Air Force One on the tarmac in Maryland 45 minutes after landing.

Obama, sporting a black bow tie, attended the dinner and ceremony with former first lady Michelle Obama. He opened his speech by thanking Mrs Obama for sticking by him after leaving the White House.

'I think she felt an obligation to the country to stay on, but once her official duties were over, it wasn't clear,' Obama said as those in the audience laughed. 'I love my wife and I'm grateful for her. And I do believe it was American's great good fortune to have her as America's first lady.'

A number of high-profile guests were also present in the audience, including members of the Kennedy family, former Vice President Joe Biden, members of Congress and celebrities including former late-night talk show host David Letterman.

Obama was careful not to mention Donald Trump by name in Boston on Sunday night as he referenced the current administration's efforts to dismantle much of his signature health care law

Caroline Kennedy, former US Ambassador to Japan, (right) presented the award to Obama along with JFK's grandson, Jack Schlossberg (left)

Early in his speech, Obama personally thanked a number of people in the crowd including 'the best Vice President this country has ever known Mr Joe Biden' (above)

Obama has avoided commenting directly on Trump in his rare public appearances since leaving office in January and did not mention the businessman-turned-politician by name on Sunday

Obama watched on from the crowd as Caroline Kennedy and JFK's grandson Jack Schlossberg spoke of the former President prior to him accepting the award

Former president Barack Obama waved to supporters as he arrived in Boston on Sunday night to be honored with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award

Caroline Kennedy and JFK's grandson Jack Schlossberg presented the award to Obama.

'Today, when many doubt the integrity of our elected officials, this Award is more important than ever,' Caroline said as she addressed the crowd.

'Our winners have shown us that we need to reward courage in our leaders, and require it in ourselves.'

Before introducing Obama, Caroline's son Jack spoke about how the former President had inspired him during his time in the White House.

'Without President Obama, I might still be sitting on my couch eating Doritos and watching sports,' he said.

'My life changed in 2008 because a young candidate was fired up and ready to go, and he told me 'Yes we can'. He showed me and my generation what is possible from our politics, and gave us a new standard of political courage.'

US Rep. Joe Kennedy III, a Massachusetts Democrat, said Obama earned the award by meeting many challenges that faced him during his presidency.

'It's about understanding the challenges we face as a country and as a planet and mustering the political will to do what is right even if what is right at that moment isn't necessarily popular,' said Kennedy, a harsh critic of the GOP health overhaul plan.

In selecting the former president for the award, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation lauded Obama for expanding health security to millions of Americans, which opponents of the bill passed by the House on Thursday argued could be lost if it becomes law. The bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

'President Kennedy called on a new generation of Americans to give their talents to the service of the country,' said Caroline Kennedy, the late president's daughter, in announcing the award in March. 'With exceptional dignity and courage, President Obama has carried that torch into our time, providing young people of all backgrounds with an example they can emulate in their own lives.'

American singer James Taylor performed at the event and told the crowd it was a privilege to be among the company of the Obamas.

The annual award is named for JFK's 1957 Pulitzer Prize-winning book Profiles in Courage and is presented to political figures who have taken courageous stances in public life.

Previous award recipients include Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush, former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt, U.S. Senator and former prisoner of war John McCain and U.S. Representative and civil rights leader John Lewis.

Caroline Kennedy and her son Jack Schlossberg greeted members of the crowd as they arrived at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on Sunday

A long line of guests made their way down the red carpet into the library, including former late-night talk show host David Letterman

Senator Elizabeth Warren waves as she walks the red carpet outside the John F Kennedy Presidential Library prior to the Profile in Courage Award presentation in Boston on Sunday night

US Rep. Joe Kennedy III, a Massachusetts Democrat, (pictured with wife Lauren) said Obama earned the award by meeting many challenges that faced him during his presidency