Washington ? President Barack Obama said he is confident Congress will pass “a good health care bill,” as months of rancor over reforming the nation’s health care system seemed to be easing Sunday, with the White House playing down an immediate role for a government insurance option.

At the same time, Obama was critical of Republican opponents who he said were trying to block an overhaul of the nation’s heath care system for political gain.

Obama has retaken the offensive on his key domestic policy issue, most notably with a speech last week to both houses of Congress. And he sought to turn down the heat over a government-run health insurance plan.

“The public option is only a means to that end and we should remain open to other ideas that accomplish our ultimate goal,” he said.

Obama is trying to push opposing lawmakers away from positions — both left and right — that were threatening stalemate. That’s what happened when Bill Clinton, the last Democratic president, tried to push through an overhaul in the 1990s.