One of the most prescient questions from the audience attending ABC's primetime health care reform interview with President Barack Obama was the first one, from Dr. Orrin Devinsky. He asked if, under Obama's reformed system, the president's family needed care that wasn't available in the government system, would he take his family outside the system to get the care they wanted or needed.

Unfortunately, the president never answered that question. And no wonder: Powerful people, and especially members of Congress, will create an exception for themselves.

Canada tried to create a no-opt-out system, but there's an open door along its southern border. And those Canadians frustrated with the waiting lines and lack of access can opt out of the Canadian system by coming to the U.S. for care. Just listen to Shona's story.

Does anyone seriously think that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi or Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, upon learning that the government-run system couldn't see their spouse or family member for several weeks, would stand for that? Does anyone seriously think that the people crafting this legislation - - Rep. Pete Stark, Rep. Henry Waxman, Sen. Edward Kennedy, Sen. Max Baucus -- will ever be told no by their reformed health care system? Especially when they control the funding.

They will know who to call to get good care in a timely manner, whether it's covered under the reformed system or not.

So President Obama was wise in ducking that question. Neither he nor any of the Democrats in Congress have any intention of joining the government-run public option, and will likely oppose any proposals that would force them to do so.

We need to thank Dr. Devinsky for his insightful question. It wasn't the president's answer but the lack of an answer that told the story.