President Barack Obama on Health Care Public Option

President Barack Obama pushed Congress to pass Health Care reform legislation before taking its August recess. Instead of passing legislation, the Congress pressured by the public are examining what is proposed and forcing the elimination of the most onerous provisions.

See "White House backs away from public health care option" by Carrie Budoff Brown at http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0809/26158.html

June 2009: "Obama said in a letter to Senate Democrats that 'I strongly believe that Americans should have the choice of a public health insurance option operating alongside private plans. This will give them a better range of choices, make the health care market more competitive, and keep insurance companies honest'.”

July 2009: "Obama said in his weekly radio and Internet address that 'any plan I sign must include an insurance exchange: a one-stop shopping marketplace where you can compare the benefits, cost and track records of a variety of plans – including a public option to increase competition and keep insurance companies honest – and choose what’s best for your family'.”

August 15, 2009: "Obama downplayed the public option during a Colorado town hall meeting, saying it was 'just one sliver' of the debate."