Public Option: Frank Admits What Obama Will Not

Meredith Jessup | July 31, 2009 4:15 PM

On June 15, Barack Obama told the American people the following regarding his proposed health care plan:

What are not legitimate concerns are those being put forward claiming a public option is somehow a Trojan horse for a single-payer system. … So, when you hear the naysayers claim that I’m trying to bring about government-run health care, know this - they are not telling the truth.

Meanwhile, his allies in Congress are telling a completely different story. Democratic Congressman Barney Frank (Mass.) had the following exchange when questioned by a group named Single Payer Action:

Single Payer Action: "Why shouldn't we start with single payer now?"

Congressman Frank: "Because we don’t have the votes for it. I wish we did. I think that if we get a good public option it could lead to single payer and that is the best way to reach single payer. Saying you’ll do nothing till you get single payer is a sure way never to get it. … I think the best way we’re going to get single payer, the only way, is to have a public option and demonstrate the strength of its power." (video available here)

Hmm. I didn't think I'd ever say this, but I think Barney Frank is right! Either Obama doesn't understand basic economic principle, or he's the one lying to the American people.

As Fox News would say: we report, you decide.