September 09 ,2009

"There are some core principles that I've already laid out previously.We're going to be providing a much more detailed plan. There are some principles that, if they are not embodied in the bill, I will not sign it."

--Barack Obama on ABC's Good Morning America, Wednesday, September 9. Obama was asked twice if the public option was a necessary part of the bill, and declined to answer. Obama made it clear, however, that in his view, budget neutrality was a requirement.

"We're going to do our very best to have a public option or something like a public option before we finish this work."
 

--Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada.