Nancy Pelosi actually said...

"I very much wants a public option, that it's essential."

"Speaker Nancy Pelosi emerged saying she very much wants a public option, that it's essential."

"There is no way I can pass a bill in the House of Representatives without a public option."

"As the president stated in March, the thinking on the public option has been that it gives consumers more choices and it helps keep the private sector honest. We agree with the president."