President Obama pushes public option

I've also said that one of the options in this exchange should be a public option. (Applause.) Now, let me be clear. Let me be clear, because there's been a lot of misinformation out here about this. This would just be an option. Nobody would be forced to choose it. No one with insurance would be affected. But what it would do is offer Americans more choices, and promote real competition, and put pressure on private insurers to make their policies affordable and treat their customers better. (Applause.)
"Note that unlike his recent statements public option, President Obama didn't include language suggesting he is open to alternatives. That doesn't mean he's insisting on it as an absolute must-have, but it is noteworthy that at least before this audience, President Obama felt comfortable giving the public option his unqualified support."