Most Americans (61%) would be disappointed if Congress doesn't pass health care reform this year and the system continues as it is. Less than a third would be pleased if reforms do not pass. Views in September 1994 were similar: 68% said they would be disappointed if Congress did not pass health care reform by the end of that year.
HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF HEALTH CARE REFORM DOES NOT PASS?Pleased:
All 29%
Dem 11%
Rep 59%
Ind 28%
While the polling shows that no one in Washington is getting good marks on healthcare reform, the GOP takes the bigger hit. Approval on "handling health care" shows that the president has higher approvals than disapprovals (47%-42%). By party, the opinion -- as it seems to have been throughout -- is that Democrats suck (60% disapprove), but Republicans suck more (67%). On who's "serious about reforming the health care system," the GOP takes a beating; Dem 52%, Rep 24%.
Other problematic numbers for Republicans:
ON HEALTH CARE, WHICH PARTY CARES ABOUT NEEDS AND PROBLEMS OF...?Seniors:
Dem 42%
Rep 31%
Young people:
Dem 52%
Rep 18%
U.S. HEALTH CARE SYSTEM NEEDS...Minor changes 15%
Fundamental changes 53%
To be rebuilt 31%
The much-debated "public option" --a health insurance plan like Medicare administered by the government -- still gets majority support.
GOV'T HEALTH INSURANCE PLANFavor 62%
Oppose 31%
The polling suggests that Republicans' "we're going to save Medicare" messaging is failing -- which is probably in line with their own internal polling, since you're not hearing this argument much lately. With only 31% believing that Republicans care about seniors, it doesn't seem to have gotten much traction -- probably because it's impossible to take seriously.
After tea parties and hair-tearing and death panels, healthcare reform is still popular. It's looking like the big losers in this whole thing are Republicans.
