Not sure what to make of this. I find it exceedingly hard to believe that a Cabinet member would go on national television and shoot from the hip on a matter of such significance. That would be an act of rank incompetence and of the biggest policy blunders we've seen in some time.

But the other possibility doesn't lend itself to a favorable interpretation either: namely that Sebelius's comment was planned, either as policy or as a high-risk, high-profile trial balloon, and the administration is walking it back after getting immediate heat from the president's left wing base.

Either way, the swift leaks from the administration to undermine Sebelius's remark yesterday does leave you scratching your head wondering if this White House is at war with itself over health care policy and/or whether they have any clue what they're doing.

--------------------------------------------
Follow the RCP Blog on Twitter.
Become a fan of RCP on Facebook.
--------------------------------------------