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Gibbs Dodges On Compromise Public Option Idea

Christina Bellantoni | October 8, 2009, 1:55PM

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White House Press Sec. Robert Gibbs

Barack Obama, Health Care, Public Option, Robert Gibbs

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Asked during the briefing just now about the idea of an opt-out public option, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs was pointedly non-committal.

"I have not talked to them about that but I can certainly ask if that's something that's been evaluated," Gibbs said, presumably referring to the White House policy shop.

Asked again what President Obama thought about the idea, Gibbs offered one of his most frequent dodges: "I have not talked with him."

Gibbs added the White House is "pleased" with the progress on health care and said when the legislation finally makes it to the Senate floor, "There will be a lot in the legislation that we hope members representing a lot of different constituents can support. I think they will, and I think we'll get health care reform done this year."

White House aides haven't responded to questions about the new idea today.

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jerryfatheart

October 8, 2009 2:08 PM

I wouldn't read too much into this. It just means they're probably talking with the key players about it and deliberating. Someone on a previous thread mentioned how this fits in with Obama's style, a subtle compromise that could lead to a large-scale transformation over time. I think the White House will end up supporting this opt-in idea.

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theone718

October 8, 2009 2:16 PM

I support the opt out idea. It is a subtle compromise that could turn out very good not only for the country, but for Democrats across the nation.

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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve

October 8, 2009 2:16 PM

"Dodge?"

Or, you know, it could be that maybe Gibbs hasn't talked to the President about an idea that only bubbled up into the realm of seriousness last night. God forbid they take a day or so to talk over major policy proposal before publically taking a position rather than just popping off without any reflection. That worked great for us during the previous eight years, after all.

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Xantar

October 8, 2009 2:24 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve

Tomorrow's TPM headline if Obama doesn't say anything: "Obama Administration Lukewarm on Compromise Public Option Idea."

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SchrodingersCat

October 8, 2009 3:20 PM in reply to Xantar

Oh, you're way more optimistic than I am.

I'm going for "Obama Administration Refuses to Support Compromise Public Option Idea."

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mcc

October 8, 2009 3:25 PM in reply to SchrodingersCat

More likely "Is the Public Option Opt-Out Dead?"

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Xantar

October 8, 2009 3:37 PM in reply to mcc

"Poll: Public Option Clings to Narrow Lead"

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Stroszek

October 8, 2009 2:26 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve

Gibbs also dodged a question about what President Obama thought of the early work of acclaimed Japanese director Kaneto Shindo.

Asked again what President Obama thought about the classic auteur's earliest output, Gibbs offered one of his most frequent dodges: "I have not talked with him."

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