He said criticism of the tax package reminded him of the carping he faced during the health-care debate, when many on the left fixated on the inability to create a government-run health-insurance option instead of lauding an expansion of health-insurance coverage to 30 million people.

WSJ: Obama Woos Wary Party on Tax Deal

Mr. Obama pleaded for support from his core constituents, even as he chastised them for carping that began with the earlier health-care fight.

WSJ: Obama Lashes Out at Critics in His Base