An on-camera Q&A session between Senate Democrats and President Barack Obama today was less of an open discussion of the big policy debates and more about giving senators in tough re-election fights the chance to be seen questioning the president.

All but two of the eight questioners face stiff challenges this fall. And they mostly asked questions that are central to their campaigns. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York wanted to know about health care for 9/11 responders in New York. Sen. Barbara Boxer of California spoke about California’s ailing economy. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania wanted to know about trade with China. And Sen. Blanche Lincoln or Arkansas wondered whether Democrats would push back against ideologues in the party and work with Republicans.

Obama told many of them what they wanted to hear–and gave them an opportunity for high-profile coverage in their home states. “Blanche is exactly right,” Obama said. “Sometimes we get ideologically bogged down. I — I just want to find out what works. And I — I know you do too. And I know the people in Arkansas do too.”

There was little if any discussion about how to move forward with health care, energy, financial regulation, education or any of the other tough issues that are stuck in the Congress—or, in some cases, the Senate in particular.

As the event concluded, might Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, be a little worried? He is considered to be a safe bet for re-election, but he did get the chance to ask a question.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s spokesman assured Washington Wire that there are no such concerns.