Public option "Just one small part" of reform, but it's "the best way to offer choice and hold down costs"

Greg Sargent was provided the talking points from the Obama operation on the status of health insurance reform. With Greg's post, we see the current dissonance coming from the Obama messaging. First, from the talking points:

The public option is just one small part of health insurance reform.

Okay. But, then Greg got a quote from an Obama for America spokesperson:

Asked for comment, an OFA spokesperson said: “The President still believes that a public option is the best way to offer choice and hold down costs, as he’s said throughout the process.”

Yes, he said that throughout the process. So here's the question? If the public option is "the best way to offer choice and hold down costs," how can it be just one small part of reform? Isn't offering choice and holding down costs central to health insurance reform? I'm confused. And, I don't want to confused.

The Senate Finance Committee bill should have included a public option. That Baucus didn't include it sent a powerful signal -- a bad signal. If Obama really wants a public option, he needs to work for it -- and stop sending mixed messages. But, that's apparently a big "if."