The White House probably didn't figure that Democrats would spend all week constantly arguing about where the President stood on a public health insurance option in health care reform, but that was the party's latest Health Care Detour.

Think about it.  The story gained steam on Sunday with the talk shows and didn't let up all week.  It didn't matter how many times the White House argued that the media had gotten it wrong.

This story just kept going like the Energizer Bunny, and was just another example of how the White House has not been driving this health care debate.

The President had to answer questions about it yesterday when he joined a talk radio show from the White House, and it was still the talk amongst lawmakers in Congress as well.

"We will not vote for a plan that doesn't have a public option," said liberal Democrat Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota.

"The fact is that we got sixty votes and maybe more," Ellison told reporters, threatening to sink a health care reform measure unless a public option is kept in the bill.

While the Blue Dogs have gotten a lot of attention, their group isn't as big as the progressive/liberal caucus in the House.

And if they decide to walk en masse, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the President will need a lot of aspirin to deal with that legislative headache.

Mr. Obama acknowledged the hand wringing associated with the health reform drive during his talk radio appearance from the White House.

"Passing a big bill like this is always messy," said the President, but he left no doubt about the final outcome.

"I'm confident we're going to get it done."

Next week you won't hear as much from the White House or the President, as the First Family will take some vacation time.

The issue - and the hubbub surrounding it - probably won't be taking a break.