We've polled on health care eight times now and while that gap seems to have closed a little over the last six weeks it's still been there to the tune of at least five points on every statewide and national poll we've conducted during that period:
| Date | State | Obama Approval | Health Care Support | Gap |
| 8-11 | NC | 46 | 39 | 7 |
| 8-19 | | 49 | 38 | 11 |
| 8-19 | National | 52 | 40 | 12 |
| 8-25 | | 40 | 29 | 11 |
| 9-2 | | 47 | 38 | 9 |
| 9-10 | | 45 | 40 | 5 |
| 9-16 | | 45 | 39 | 6 |
| 9-22 | | TBA | TBA | 7 |
The health care debate's a good example of how it's easier to unite people in opposition to something than in support of it. With Republicans all on the same page they've easily won the message battle over Democrats who are comparatively all over the place.
It's pretty hard to be 'for' something when that something is not concrete. Seeing as the health care bill(s) have not been solidified into any form of legislation yet, it's difficult for the majority of Americans who want to see reform to actually get behind it. In my case, I'm still waiting to see if the health care legislation actually does constitute any real reform, or if it will just become a giveaway to the insurance industry, so I can understand the how firm support for this legislation can be hard to come by right now.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, those people who've made up their minds that health reform means 'death panels' and 'funding abortions' obviously will find it much easier to be loud and firm in their opposition, regardless of whether there is any factual validity in their position, because to them it is all about their fears and beliefs; and fear is a potent motivator.
It is extremely interesting for me to read this blog. Thank you for it. I like such themes and everything connected to this matter. I definitely want to read a bit more on that blog soon.
ReplyDelete