Iowa City man shouts about public option at Obama speech

IOWA CITY - President Barack Obama had to deal with a critic from his own party during his speech Thursday at the University of Iowa Field House.

Justin Feinstein of Iowa City interrupted the speech, complaining loudly about the lack of a public option in the health care reform law and asking why it was not included.

“Because we couldn't get it through Congress,” the president responded.

Obama acknowledged the complaint more than once during his remarks, but used the occasion to say the bill isn't an example of socialism, as opponents claim, but is actually compromise legislation. “This is a middle of the road bill,” he said.

Feinstein said he supported Obama during the 2008 caucuses but said the president hadn't kept his promise.

“If he'd pushed harder, he'd have the votes,” Feinstein said.