Public Doesn't Want Healthcare Reform to Die

[one...two...tree 2,762]

There was a lot of noteworthy data in the new Washington Post/ABC News poll, much of it discouraging, but let's first highlight the numbers on health care, because some of the results were surprising. Asked whether they support or oppose the Democratic health care reform plan, 46% approve of the proposal, while 49% do not. That's not great, but the numbers are pretty close to parity and the 46-49 split were the best since November. It's fair to say that reform at least isn't getting less popular, and may be starting to improve a bit.

Also note that clear majorities support provisions such as employer mandates, individual mandates, and a ban on discriminating against those with pre-existing conditions.

Of particular interest, though, was the question reflected in this chart. Respondents were asked, "Do you think lawmakers in Washington should keep trying to pass a comprehensive health care reform plan, or should give up on comprehensive health care reform?" A 63% majority want policymakers to keep trying. Among independents, the results were 56-39 in favor of perseverance.

At a minimum, that's something to build on. For some weak-kneed Democrats, there's obviously a temptation to run away from health care as quickly as possible. But even now, despite all that's occurred, the American mainstream clearly wants to see policymakers keep working towards getting a bill done.

Also note, the blame for the existing acrimony is falling squarely on the GOP. Poll respondents were asked whether the president is doing enough to compromise with Republicans, and a plurality believe Obama has been doing the right thing. When the same question was asked about the GOP, a 58% majority believe Republicans aren't doing enough to cooperate with the White House.

Even 44% of rank-and-file Republicans believe their own party's lawmakers should be doing more to work with the president.

We'll have more soon on other aspects of the poll, but on health care, these results aren't bad.

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[Hilarious Clinton 452]

I think Steve is really Keith Olbermann.

Mornin' Keith!

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I guess they just don't like Obama's comprehensive health plan.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I guess they just don't like Obama's comprehensive health plan.

The Democrats have been dropping the ball on being able to reduce it down to specific selling points to the public. The opposition knows that the more Americans are confused, the more skeptical they will be. The Manufactured Doubt Industry is alive and well...and has friends in Washington.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

The Democrats have been dropping the ball on being able to reduce it down to specific selling points to the public. The opposition knows that the more Americans are confused, the more skeptical they will be. The Manufactured Doubt Industry is alive and well...and has friends in Washington.

So, the public is basically stupid, and it is up to the Democrats to "educate" them?

[Dan J 277]

The republican really want tort reform, although its probably the least effective measure to control costs. There is no link between malpractice insurance rates and health insurance rates in a given state. Thats not to say we shouldn't do something about it, but its effect on cost will be less than 1 percent.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

So, the public is basically stupid, and it is up to the Democrats to "educate" them?

There's one of those argument fallacies you like to use a lot when arguing. I'd venture to guess you never scored a lot of points in debate class.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

There's one of those argument fallacies you like to use a lot when arguing. I'd venture to guess you never scored a lot of points in debate class.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

LOL...I take that as a 'yes.'

You make fallacious arguments feel like the morning dew on blades of grass.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

LOL...I take that as a 'yes.'

You make fallacious arguments feel like the morning dew on blades of grass.

Like most of the propaganda the Progressives like to push on the public, just saying something ad nauseum does not make it any more factual.

[mawilson 2,133]

What's the split between deadbeats and people who buy insurance, in favor of reform and against?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Of course people want health care reform. Everyone knows that we're on an unsustainable path on health care. Let me see a show of hands from those that have not experienced yet another round of premium and/or out-of-pocket increases exceeding inflation and/or income growth. Nobody? Yeah, that's what I thought.

Doing nothing will ensure this trend to continue which means that people will take home ever less money to support their families. Our businesses are hurting under the crushing weight of health care expenses for their workforce which, to add insult to injury, is less healthy and productive than it could be if we had a functioning health care system in this country.

The main reason there's a majority out there that's opposed to the bills stuck in Congress is not so much the MDI Steven referred to earlier (though they've done a good job framing the debate to their advantage) but the sell-out to special interests that has dominated the health care reform effort from day one and increasingly so towards the end of the process. People don't feel that the system is being reformed to their advantage but to the advantage of those that spent big to tilt the bills their way.

[mawilson 2,133]

Doing nothing will ensure this trend to continue which means that people will take home ever less money to support their families.

Well, somebody takes more and more money home, that's for sure.

Doctors, hospitals, insurance companies...

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Of course people want health care reform. Everyone knows that we're on an unsustainable path on health care. Let me see a show of hands from those that have not experienced yet another round of premium and/or out-of-pocket increases exceeding inflation and/or income growth. Nobody? Yeah, that's what I thought.

Doing nothing will ensure this trend to continue which means that people will take home ever less money to support their families. Our businesses are hurting under the crushing weight of health care expenses for their workforce which, to add insult to injury, is less healthy and productive than it could be if we had a functioning health care system in this country.

The main reason there's a majority out there that's opposed to the bills stuck in Congress is not so much the MDI Steven referred to earlier (though they've done a good job framing the debate to their advantage) but the sell-out to special interests that has dominated the health care reform effort from day one and increasingly so towards the end of the process. People don't feel that the system is being reformed to their advantage but to the advantage of those that spent big to tilt the bills their way.

Anytime one party tries to force major legislation through on a simple majority, the American public is going to resist. The only way this will happen, and people will get behind the issue is to develop a consensus. You already have a consensus that healthcare costs too much. Presenting a bill that does not solve that problem, but rather only makes the insurance and drug companies more money, will not satisfy that consensus.

Rather than engage in social engineering, the legislation needs to be focused on two issues: Cutting costs, and providing universal healthcare.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Like most of the propaganda the Progressives like to push on the public, just saying something ad nauseum does not make it any more factual.

Of course that sentiment doesn't apply to the insurance companies, their lobbyists and their cronies in Washington.