Poll: Even Split on Health Care

Reform proponents closing 'intensity gap'

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 14, 2009 8:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – The public is split right down the middle on health care reform, but opposition has eased somewhat, and reform supporters are closing the “enthusiasm gap,” according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. Right now 46% say they support Democratic plans, while 48% oppose them. But the number who “strongly” support them has risen to 32% since mid-August.

The public’s view on the public option, meanwhile, is complicated. A 55% majority likes the idea. But if it were dropped from the bill, support for the overall effort would swing to 50% for, and 42% opposed. Ditching the public option also wouldn’t hurt Obama much with his base—support among liberal Democrats would fall from 88% to 81%.

Minnesota College Republicans show their opposition to President Barack Obama outside the Target Center in Minneapolis, Saturday, where President Barack Obama addressed a health care rally. (AP Photo/David Sherman)

Mark Nyberg shows his support outside the Target Center in Minneapolis, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, where President Barack Obama addressed a health care rally. (AP Photo/David Sherman)

Marc Bourdeaux shows his opposition to President Barack Obama outside the Target Center in Minneapolis, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, where the president addressed a health care rally. (AP Photo/David Sherman)

Mark Nyberg shows his support for President Barack Obama outside the Target Center in Minneapolis, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, where the president Barack Obama addressed a health care rally. (AP Photo/David Sherman)

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Poll: Even Split on Health Care

Reform proponents closing 'intensity gap'

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Support for Health Care Bill Hits New High

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Merged proposal mostly follows Senate outline

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But he could and should have prepared liberals better for defeat

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Reform proponents closing 'intensity gap'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • health care reform • poll numbers • public option

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Support for Health Care Bill Hits New High

More now support plan than oppose it

Public Flip-Flops, Now Likes Health Care Reform

Poll shows 49% in favor of new law, to 40% opposed

Obama Unveils $950B Health Care Bill

Merged proposal mostly follows Senate outline

Obama Rejects Critics on Health Care Bill

President rejects notion that legislation has been neutered

Even Obama Couldn't Have Sold the Public Option

But he could and should have prepared liberals better for defeat

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