USA Today – President Obama huddled with Senate Democrats today to talk legislative strategy on job creation and health care — though the discussion also turned to such items as Chinese trade policy and voters' frustration with the political ways of Washington.

All but one of the eight Senate Democratic questioners have something in common — they are up for re-election in November.

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11:05 a.m. — Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio asks: Why doesn't the United States have a manufacturing policy? Says it could help U.S. develop new energy sources, including solar and wind power.

Obama cites Chinese advances in these areas — but adds they are "not a democracy" and leaders don't have to worry about "debate." Still, the U.S. has to work to keep from falling behind when it comes of new technology. Notes he is getting a report soon on how the country can better match manufacturing and research into new technologies. Notes that the country that first develops new energy sources will lead the 21st century.

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