A somewhat surprising confession from a prominent voice on the issue. Just in case there was any question as to the hidden agenda behind the public option, Barney Frank puts your mind to rest: It’s really a trojan horse for a single-payer system that will envelop the nation’s healthcare system.

Interviewer: Don’t you think we should scratch everything and start anew with single payer? Why not?

Frank: No…because we don’t have the votes for it. I wish we did. I think if we get a good public option it could lead to single payer, and that’s the best way to reach single payer. Saying you’ll do nothing until you get single payer is a sure way never to get it.

Interviewer: Right now, it’s not a strong public option, is it?

Frank: Well, we don’t know what the plan is. I’m for a strong public option. I think your strategy is suicidal for trying to get single payer. I think the best way we’re going to get single payer – the only way – is to have a public option demonstrate its strength and power.

Are you shocked? Don’t be. Frank isn’t the first liberal to admit the hidden agenda in healthcare reform. Paul Krugman admitted as much in June, while Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Illinois) was thrilled to announce that Obama’s healthcare plan is really a trojan horse intended to destroy the private health insurance industry. The only thing shocking about Frank’s confession is that such a prominent Congressman would admit the ultimate goal on camera.