BlueJessamine's Journal - 'GMA' Obama Exclusive: 'We Intend to Get Something Done'

Source: ABC News

In his highly anticipated address to Congress today, President Obama told ABC News that he would provide a much more detailed health care plan, saying that while he was still open to ideas, he is determined to get health care reform passed this year.

"So, the intent of the speech on is to, A, make sure that the American people are clear exactly what it is that we are proposing," Obama told "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts in an exclusive interview. " B, to make sure that Democrats and Republicans understand that I'm open to new ideas, that we're not being rigid and ideological about this thing, but we do intend to get something done this year."

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"I think there are some in the Republican Party who made a strategic decision that we can duplicate what happened in 1993, '94," Obama said, referring to former President Clinton's failed attempt at health care reform and the Republicans winning back control over Congress soon thereafter. "I think that folks are dusting off that old playbook."

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On A Public Option in Health Care Reform

When asked if after his speech the public would know if he would sign a health care reform bill without a public option, Obama avoided answering the question directly.

"Well, I think what the country is going to know is exactly what I think will solve our health care crisis. They will have a lot of clarity about what I think is the best way to move forward," Obama said. "I'm not going to give you a preview of it before tonight. I want everybody to tune in."

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/gma-exclusive-pr...

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But on Monday, Obama delivered a speech to the AFL-CIO where he voiced his support for a public option.

"I continue to believe that a public option within the basket of insurance choices would help improve quality and bring down costs," Obama said.