President Bush would like to see some form of universal health coverage for all Americans before leaving office next year, a Cabinet official said Monday.
But, Mr. Leavitt said, the president would "like to see the larger debate begin" regarding health care - an emerging issue in the next election.
"The very best opportunity we have may well be in the next 15 months," he said.
Mr. Bush's intentions come on the heels of a universal health care plan offered Monday by Democratic presidential contender Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York.
Are they completely delusional at the White House? If universal health care is something the Bush administration truly cares about, they missed the ball. There is zero chance of them making it a reality in 15 months.
