As President Barack Obama is striving to convince Americans of his healthcare plan, tens of thousands of opponents have gathered to protest the program.

Demonstrators marched from the White House to Capitol Hill in Washington Saturday, showing slogans such as "Obamacare makes me sick" and chanting "You lie, you lie!"

The protesters say unchecked spending on things like a government-run health insurance option could raise their taxes and increase inflation.

However, the US president estimates healthcare reform would cost $900 billion over 10 years without increasing the budget deficit.

Rep. Mike Pence, chairman of the House Republican Conference, also supported the rally, saying Americans want healthcare reform, but they do not want a government takeover.

"Republicans, Democrats and independents are stepping up and demanding we put our fiscal house in order," Pence, of Indiana, told The Associated Press.

"I think the overriding message after years of borrowing, spending and bailouts is enough is enough," Pence added.

Meanwhile, President Obama on Saturday urged Americans not to be tricked by "scare tactics" by his opponents.

Speaking to a crowd of 15,000 people in Minnesota, Obama hoped to keep up the pressure on fellow Democrats as well as Republicans to move forward on his top domestic priority.

"The time for games has passed. Now is the time for action. Now is the time to deliver on healthcare," Obama said at the Target Center sports arena in Minneapolis.

AGB/SC/DT