The White House released their health plan. It didn't contain a public option. Their health plan didn't have to be the final say, it could just be a negotiating document, but they didn't even bother to put it in, to pretend they wanted it.
Contra Ezra, they did lead, they expressed their preferences. They may or may not publicly beat back a public option if it shows any chance of being revived in the Senate, but they have made their desires known.
