In an interview on talk radio today, President Obama sought to clarify his position on health care for illegal immigrants and a public plan for federal employees.
He said it was “pure misinformation” that a public plan would offer health insurance to illegal immigrants. None of the bills in Congress or the proposals from the White House propose such a thing, he said, but made clear that it was human decency to provide some emergency care for people regardless of their immigration status.
Obama spoke to conservative radio host Michael Smerconish for about 30 minutes at the White House, and took questions from pre-screened callers.
A caller asked if members of Congress would be urged to join a public plan.
He said it was a good idea to give federal employees the option of a public plan, but said “nobody would be obligated.”
“I think it would make perfect sense to make the public option available to federal employees, but keep in mind, it would just be a choice,” he said.
On bipartisanship, he said, “My attitude has always been, let’s see if we can get this done with a consensus … I would love to have more Republicans engaged and involved in this process.”
But, he said, not all Republicans wanted to work with him.
“I think early on, a decision was made by the Republican leadership that said, ‘Look, let’s not give him a victory,'” Obama said. He said those conservatives wanted a “replay of 1993 or 1994” when former President Bill Clinton failed to pass health care, and then the GOP won the midterm elections and got a majority in Congress.
He did, however, cite Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) as one of the Republicans who are working constructively toward a consensus.
Obama also seemed to change his tone toward insurance companies, which he’s been accused of vilifying. He said some private insurers, including Chicago-based Safeway, are “doing a great job” offering incentives for consumers who exercise and get preventive care.
He also fielded questions on Afghanistan, Cash for Clunkers and the Lockerbie bomber who was released today by Scottish authorities.
There was a moment of levity before the show, when host Michael Smerconish said that in the movie National Treasure 2, each president received a “Book of Secrets,” and asked Obama what he thought was the most impressive secret.
“I would tell you, but then I’d have to kill you,” joked the president.
