Rasmussen: Public shifting away from “public plan”
posted at 2:57 pm on July 17, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Yesterday I wrote that the act of getting the bill for government services creates fiscal conservatives. Today’s poll by Rasmussen corroborates that axiom. In the four weeks since the CBO began scoring ObamaCare’s costs, support for the “public plan” as shifted from a dead heat at 41%-41% to a 15-point gap at 35%-50%. Independents now oppose it by almost 2-1:
Just 35% of U.S. voters now support the creation of a government health insurance company to compete with private health insurers.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 50% of voters oppose setting up a government health insurance company as President Obama and congressional Democrats are now proposing in their health care reform plan. Fifteen percent (15%) are undecided.
In mid-June, 41% of American adults thought setting up a government health insurance company to compete with private health insurance companies was a good idea, but the identical number (41%) disagreed.
Fifty-nine percent (59%) of Democrats favor the creation of a government insurance alternative. But Republicans (73%) and voters not affiliated with either party (62%) are opposed.
It seems a little surprising that Barack Obama only gets 59% support from his own party on his signature initiative. Despite his insistence that the final bill must contain a public plan, even Democrats are significantly divided on the issue. That indicates that Obama has risked and perhaps lost a lot of his political initiative in pressing for the public plan.
Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi has assumed the health-care debate equivalent role of Baghdad Bob, courtesy of Greg Hengler:
No, the problem is that even a lot of Democrats have backed away from ObamaCare. That’s why the White House has insisted that the issue get pressed before the August recess; they’ll bleed even more support, especially if unemployment continues to rise and the economy continues to sputter. By September, they will have lost independents altogether and perhaps a majority of their own party.
Blowback
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Ooops, The Precedent must have seen this poll.
He’s getting ready to make another appearance on the boob tube again.
Stay tuned for more BS for the CiC.
Getting desperate Mr. Precedent?
Knucklehead on July 17, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Amazingly, I’ve tried expressing these numbers to the drones over at Huff Post and not one of them EVER concedes that this drop in public opinion is even a remote possibility…. They keep throwing out figures like “80% of the American people are in favor of a public plan/single payer system” in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary…. LOL!!! God I’m glad I’m NOT one of them…
Delaware Vol on July 17, 2009 at 3:03 PM
“Shifting”?
Understatement. That’s what happens when peeps learn the deets.
Abby Adams on July 17, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Liars. When Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton have to wait behind for care me in the ER, then I will consider apublic option.
bloggless on July 17, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Can’t the White House once again call upon and mobilize Barry’s “army” of netroots and activists inspired by his election to hit the streets like they did with stimulus and the budget last winter? Answering the White House’s call, and emboldened by their hard work and success in electing Barry, an “army” of dozen
shit the streets of American lobbying support for his budget.Even after Barry told his grass-roots campaign apparatus after the election he would be calling upon them again to mobilize to move his agenda, they responded with almost complete indifference. One of the more notable epic fails of an administration filled with them.
ChrisB on July 17, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Heh. That’s all I have to say.
NathanG on July 17, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Yes, Nancy, you have oogles of support for your legislation. As Herr Biden says, we must spend to avoid bankruptcy.
Nancy, sometimes self-fulfilling prophecies don’t come true.
You can stretch your face, but the truth is not so stretchy, Nan.
EMD on July 17, 2009 at 3:05 PM
This guy’s harder to get rid of than herpes, to quote John Ridley.
ChrisB on July 17, 2009 at 3:05 PM
ooopsie…
cmsinaz on July 17, 2009 at 3:05 PM
The Constitution was against the “public plan” over two centuries ago.
The federal government was never given the power to just open companies in order to “provide competition” to the private sector. That is the most insane thing I have ever heard in my life.
progressoverpeace on July 17, 2009 at 3:05 PM
These wavering votes are just gonna have to buck up. This will get done. -B. Obama, MD.
Thunderstorm129 on July 17, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Maybe – just maybe we can convince Barry to hold his breath until we agree with him.
Just sayin ….
BobK on July 17, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Why is there an exemption for government and union workers?
mossberg500 on July 17, 2009 at 3:06 PM
The Peoples opinion Czar say 90% are pleased with any decision made by obama.
the_nile on July 17, 2009 at 3:07 PM
I said on my blog last year I was in complete support of Obama and a Democratic Congress. Once these morons had control over everything, they had to take ownership of everything. Now they own unemployment, a staggering debt, a crappy government health care system. Even their “straight-talker” Joe Biden can’t even keep it straight, claiming that we have to spend money to avoid bankruptcy.
It’s been 6 months, and the public is quickly learning to hate the government leadership of the modern democrat. Just imagine what their opinions are going to be in 12 more months?
Nethicus on July 17, 2009 at 3:07 PM
They are trying to accomplish as much destruction as they can before the tide turns against them.
Hopefully the horror caused by Democrat party control of the government will also backlash on the MSM. The sickening displays of ABC and C-BS with their infomercials for President Obama needs to have a price.
As long as the Democrat party remains on this course they might lose majorities in both House and Senate.
Rode Werk on July 17, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Because they got Obama elected, and he won.
BuckeyeSam on July 17, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Cause the Plan is only for us undesirables.
HoustonRight on July 17, 2009 at 3:09 PM
The nutroots are insistent that there be the public option. And for them, the ultimate goal is the elimination of all health insurance companies. They are blind to anything but this goal, and becoming more unhinged by the day.
ICBM on July 17, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Lies. Our elected representatives are lying to us, desperately trying to create an alternate reality, and the media foists it on the public.
C’mon America, you know everybody loves it? …They do? Yeah! Well, okay, if everybody else likes it I guess I should too. Lies, lies, lies.
There should be a law against this! How about this, whenever an official statement is made by elected representatives, they are considered “under oath” and liable for perjury.
NickelAndDime on July 17, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Just returned from a protest v. Obama-Care at Sen. Evan Bayh and Dick Lugar’s offices (they’re in the same building). Well attended for middle of the day Friday. 150 people there with lots of support from passing motorists.
I bet the Indianapolis Star under reports if they report o it at all. All types of folks represented, including a young RN.
Onager on July 17, 2009 at 3:11 PM
When the Obama H&C Parade dwindles down to a few, will the Dems realize they are heading in the direction opposite of the majority, who didn’t think their country was so bad that it needed to be drastically changed?
What is democracy if not majority rule? 2010 midterm elections will show the will of the people-watch the Dems trot out ‘mean ol’ George Bush hatred’ again to gin up their losing side.
Doug on July 17, 2009 at 3:11 PM
I heard someone remark last night or this morning that every time Pelosi speaks out on healthcare, Obama loses five points.
Please, Obama, get Pelosi out front!
BuckeyeSam on July 17, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Just heard that…blah…
ladyingray on July 17, 2009 at 3:12 PM
I’m equally happy about the growing rejection of this plan and the pounding of his ego.
sherry on July 17, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Could that “lack of support” be Kos Kiddies thinking the bill doesn’t do enough?
LastRick on July 17, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Not to worry, SP will be there to pick them up!
Amadeus on July 17, 2009 at 3:15 PM
The Obama administration is using all of the tactics that our mothers used to eat liver(and I HATE liver). They say “eat it fast and you’ll be done” or “I know you don’t like how it smells, so plug your nose” and last, but not least, “Eat it because it’s good for you”.
At least I know my mom cared about me. This admin is more motivated by setting agendas than doing right by the people they represent.
pjean on July 17, 2009 at 3:16 PM
I hope he fails.
BPD on July 17, 2009 at 3:16 PM
And it’s mighty interesting that the anti-competitive, anti-free market, anti-low tax left are trying to sell everything as competition, free-markets, and tax-cuts. The un-Constitutional federal government health insurance company is there to “provide competition” to the private sector (which has been constrained by government interference and insane mandates and regulations since forever. The idiotic and un-Constitutional Crap&Trade is sold as “free-markets” at work, because some sort of trading scheme is going on. The welfare payments in the Porkulus were called “tax-cuts“.
This childish pattern is so simple and obvious that I am still surprised that it is used without the treasonous left suffering, at all. And to top it off, we have an affirmative action SCOTUS nominee who was picked for her empathy (i.e. ability to ignore the rule of law) who is sold, now, as an originalist who loves the Constitution and will be the most conservative member of the Court. Pure insanity. And so easy to see that it makes me cry.
progressoverpeace on July 17, 2009 at 3:17 PM
Let’s just hope part of that ‘government leadership’ doesn’t include healthcare. That would be crossing the Rubicon.
Chaz706 on July 17, 2009 at 3:17 PM
The dims probably saw this a couple of weeks ago with their own internals. Today’s have to be even worse.
Harpoon on July 17, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Nancy Pelosi’s plastic surgery, which certainly hasn’t made her attractive, can now be explained. Her face will remain straight no matter what comes out of her mouth.
darktood on July 17, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Now that I’ve glanced at another pic of Pelosi, it made me wonder, under Socialist medicine, would Pelosi have access to plastic surgeons – for necessary things like facelifts, skin-peels, ya know, things like that?
OhEssYouCowboys on July 17, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Are they seriously expecting to retain control of the House next year if they ram this through? At least leading into the porkulus vote, a majority of Americans supported it(or at least they supported doing something).
They’ve already lost the public relations battle on this one. Obama’s political capital has eroded. He and the Dems are sinking in the polls. The economy is headed towards double-digit unemployment. And yet they move full speed ahead with a bill that most of the public opposes.
Doughboy on July 17, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Comedy Central?
Patrick S on July 17, 2009 at 3:24 PM
I swear Pelosi sets women back at least a decade every time she opens her mouth. She is dumber than any other woman I have ever heard speak. She’s embarrassing for the Democrats. How in the world did this ditz rise to the top of the party? And all of her tics drive me bat sh*t! I can’t hardly watch her!
JAM on July 17, 2009 at 3:27 PM
You have done an excellent job in defining the perversion that is statist liberalism. It is perversion of the bad, to make it look good. Environmentalists have perverted the “environment” and sold it as God–effectively marginalizing God in the equation. The statist liberals do this time and time again in every area–as you have eloquently pointed out.
Again–GREAT job!
ted c on July 17, 2009 at 3:27 PM
And then there’s Barney Frank.
OhEssYouCowboys on July 17, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Obama, the first lame-duck president in his first year in office!
JAM on July 17, 2009 at 3:29 PM
I hope the Blue Dog Democrats in Congress see this poll. In competitive districts, you can’t win an election if you do something opposed by half the voters and 62% of Independents.
Of course, no one really knows how many voters in each district are for or against socialized medicine, but any Blue Dog Democrats that see this poll might get worried, and adopt the go-slow Snowe approach–wait to get “feedback from their constituents” before voting on the bill.
If they get the same “feedback” that Rasmussen got, they’ll come back in September and tell Obama, “Sorry, MY American people don’t want this, and I still want my seat next year.”
Which is why Obama is in such a hurry to jam it through Congress before people wake up, but according to Rasmussen, they already have. If the vote can be put off until after the August break, ObamaCare is dead in the water, because Democrats in competitive districts will bail to save their seats. It already lost a net 15% in one month, and the more people hear about it, the more lopsided those numbers will become.
Barry O should have talked to Hillary before trying this. Been there, done that, doesn’t work!
Blue Dogs (hopefully): It’ll be a long, lonely summer. See you in September.
Steve Z on July 17, 2009 at 3:30 PM
Thanks, ted. These last few sales jobs of the left have just driven me nuts (even more than their usual claptrap) and so few conservatives are taking them on at the foundations.
progressoverpeace on July 17, 2009 at 3:31 PM
I wrote every senator on the list of the fake bipartisan agreement thread from yesterday. I also wrote senator for Florida and Virginia. So far the only one who will admit to the total overhaul garbage is Sen. Nelson of Florida. Although Sen. Martinez stated that one in five Floridians over 65 are without health care. How is that possible, I thought at 65 everyone’s main source of health coverage is Medicare?
Cindy Munford on July 17, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Do you mean Sarah Palin?
Steve Z on July 17, 2009 at 3:33 PM
At the end, Hitler was reduced to demanding that non-existent armies conduct a counter-attack against the Russians, even referring to a certain General Steiner who no one had ever heard of as the savior who would rescue Germany.
Am I claiming that Ogabe is equivalent to Hitler, no, but his increasing psychosis seems to contain the same obliviousness to facts on the ground as they really are.
Bishop on July 17, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Pelosi: “PUBLIC support? Peasants!! Let them eat CAKE!”
Paul the American on July 17, 2009 at 3:39 PM
I think that even a lot of Democrats are starting to worry about the money…and the competency thing is there too. Look at how they have handled things thus far, fewer and fewer people want them touching health care.
Terrye on July 17, 2009 at 3:41 PM
The light bringer is late to the presser. Where, o where, is he? I never really cared to hear him speak, but I need to hear how he’s going to wiggle out of this one.
xax on July 17, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Whoopsie…
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2009/07/dems-sent-back-to-drawing-board-on-health-care-surtax-on-wealthy-is-good-politics.html
elduende on July 17, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Come on, fess up you know the answer. I’ll give you 3 guesses and the first 2 don’t count. Could it be, yes it is. The rest of the party is even dumber than her.
chemman on July 17, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Your senator isn’t too bright, is he?
ladyingray on July 17, 2009 at 3:48 PM
I am not sure that is statistically possible.
Cindy Munford on July 17, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Mr BPD,
That’s an inflammatory statement there sir. Why do you hate minorities? I’m calling “Dammit, Janet” Napolitano and will report you to the Politically Progressive Administration for a More Equal and Just Environmentally Safe Pandas, Glitter, Rainbows and Unicorns Society of the USSA.
xax on July 17, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Seniority. Leadership posts in Congress (for both parties) is usually based on time served. Democrats elected from competitive districts don’t last long before being replaced by Republicans, while those from heavily left-leaning districts like Pelosi win 70% or 80% for decades without campaigning. So it’s the socialist whack jobs that build up seniority, and become committee chairs and Speaker when the Dems have the majority. They’ve never faced real opposition, and can’t understand that people elsewhere in America could really disagree with what plays so well back home.
Unfortunately, this also happens to Republicans, where long-serving Republicans from safe conservative districts become committee chairs when Republicans have the majority, and they sometimes over-reach and alienate Independent voters in swing districts, which can cost them the majority.
A truly wise House Speaker or committee chair would listen closely to what the freshmen House members are saying, but frequently the leaders’ egos get in the way. But for now, let Pelosi’s ego run wild, as long as she keeps her mitts out of our wallets.
Steve Z on July 17, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Well that’s what I thought but maybe I am misinformed. It wouldn’t be the first time. I wrote back asking for an explanation. We have Federal Employee BC/BS and are being told that when we turn 65 it will revert to supplement coverage for Medicare.
Cindy Munford on July 17, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Seems like Pelosi threw Obama’s #1 agenda item under the bus in favor of her #1 agenda item. The blue dogs that voted for cap and tax got heat over the break and now are reluctant to walk the plank on healthcare before they face their constituents for a whole month in August.
txmomof6 on July 17, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Cindy, that 1 in 5 elderly could well be the illegals and those who never worked and paid into Social Security. That should be about the right percentage. But do we want a massive universal health care to cover illegals?
Oleta on July 17, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Cindy, just read your next post. As a civil service retiree, your insurance does revert to supplemental to Medicare, no choice. There is also no change in your premium, but I carry a much cheaper policy than BC/BS and it pays all the deductibles and co-pays that Medicare doesn’t.
Oleta on July 17, 2009 at 3:56 PM
progressoverpeace on July 17, 2009 at 3:31 PM
you’re welcome.
Mark Levin had a good point yesterday regarding statists. The left complains nowadays that the right is always saying no to things. Our question to them is at what point do they stop? How much power, how much perversion of what is right and good in this country is enough for them? Evidently, there is never enough to satisfy the appetite. The statist liberals see power like the rest of us see Jell-O…. there’s always room for MORE….
ted c on July 17, 2009 at 4:03 PM
At least this should help to stifle any talk about immigration
amnestyreform for another year.I’d imagine that going over like a lead balloon right now.
The Ugly American on July 17, 2009 at 4:07 PM
I would seriously love to have a robust debate about this issue.
LibTired on July 17, 2009 at 4:10 PM
The light bringer will MAKE YOU DO IT!!!
xax on July 17, 2009 at 4:14 PM
O speaking now. He admitted that it is about control. He actually admits that this is the only way to get Medicare under control (ie rationing for the elderly) is to have the Obamacare. Pit the elderly against the rest of the population for the healthcare resources. It is less about the uninsured and more about control.
txmomof6 on July 17, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Save on trips to the dentist. No braces. Buck teeth, they get pulled. Lot cheaper than braces.
seven on July 17, 2009 at 4:17 PM
Release your medical records, Barry.
SouthernGent on July 17, 2009 at 4:19 PM
man- he sounded awful Ball-zee just now on the boober tuber.
WE WILL GET THIS DONE.
sounds like a THUG talking.
poppieseeds on July 17, 2009 at 4:19 PM
You know, I was thinking about this, and I could probably deal with a government program set up to compete.
Of course, that means NO government funding, except for maybe some oversight… to truly “compete”, it would have to fund itself through premiums, wouldn’t it?
malclave on July 17, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Interesting, I doubt we have much choice other than what Open Season has to offer. We aren’t at 65 yet but time sure flies.
Cindy Munford on July 17, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Dems could care less about the polls when it comes to Health care/Cap and Trade etc.
I’ll believe this poll when I see the final votes in the House and Senate.
patrick neid on July 17, 2009 at 4:21 PM
Also, since they don’t need to spend much on their own reelection, they’re able to route money into the campaign warchests of other representatives, effectively buying votes for their agenda.
malclave on July 17, 2009 at 4:26 PM
What the hell was that press conference about? I still don’t know what he’s proposing. I think he was merely trying to give the impression of inevitability, even if it’s something that may not get done immediately. It kind of reminded me of that line, “Never let them see you sweat.”
BuckeyeSam on July 17, 2009 at 4:29 PM
JUST WHAT FUCKING PLANET IS PELOSI ON? Or is it just that she’s “on” something?
GarandFan on July 17, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Suck it Nancy, you maniacal freak. These morons thought they had Conservatives on the ropes. Oops.
marklmail on July 17, 2009 at 4:37 PM
I grilled snowes office earlier saying I represented a labor group of 3000 bath iron works employees. Find a Maine area code. Pick a business in Maine and call her office and say you have a petition growing to remove her From office. Play hard ball people the libs are. Stand up and fight for your freedom !!!!!!
texaninfidel on July 16, 2009 at 3:35 PM
texaninfidel on July 17, 2009 at 4:38 PM
New Democrat strategy: Don’t call it “public plan”.
forest on July 17, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Oh well, that didn’t work. I know, let’s nationalize the Internet.
Akzed on July 17, 2009 at 4:47 PM
She is so worried about this, I saw a part of a wrinkle in her face…
right2bright on July 17, 2009 at 4:55 PM
It needs to be emphasized that congress in exempt from the plan they develop.
Health care rationing for thee – but not for me. King Bammy
Blake on July 17, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Fix the economy first! Where are the jobs? Then fix Medicare! Why do we need Socialist medicine if the Democrats won’t even pledge to use thier own plan????
Stop the socialism! This is not a socialist country!
elduende on July 17, 2009 at 4:56 PM
right2bright on July 17, 2009 at 5:04 PM
progressoverpeace on July 17, 2009 at 3:17 PM
To quote V. Lenin, “A lie told often enough becomes truth”……..
Johan Klaus on July 17, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Pelosi is dumber than a box of rocks.
Johan Klaus on July 17, 2009 at 5:09 PM
Concerned citizens: “50% of voters oppose setting up a government health insurance company….”
Obama: “Shut up, I won”
Sounder on July 17, 2009 at 5:45 PM
I love Autumn.
redwhiteblue on July 17, 2009 at 6:14 PM
Why is there an exemption for government and union workers?
mossberg500 on July 17, 2009 at 3:06 PM
For one thing, this a redundacy. Gov’t employees are unionized. The other is along with “Card Check” this further encourages everyone into the arms of the unions as they will be the only ones with adequate health care.
With the administration allowing to CIT group (provides 70% of small business loans)to go bankrupt it enables his plan to drive small busines out of business. Thus herding everyone into mega-corp’s like GE, GM, etc. SB’s operate in freedom and are generally free of unions.
Obama and his minions are eerily following the template described by Ayn Rand in Atlas Shrugged, and the means by which they have co-opted the media is straight out of The Fountainhead.
Miss Rand’s vision of our future is proving to be prescient. In the two books mentioned above she describes in precise detail how through bribery and coercion gov’t forces Big Business into the arms of Big Labor. And the backing of this behemoth by force of Gov’t regulation to subdue all who resist them.
It is no coincidence that those familiar with her vision with the advent the rise of Obama, have created the hottest realestate market in the world in Costa Rica!
People are going Galt!
Archimedes on July 17, 2009 at 6:36 PM
Just finished a quick read of the plan.
It will take a lot of massive cube farms to make medical decisions in the government. QHBP will run the show. The IRS will be involved at every level. Companies will have more paperwork and costs on op of mandates.
31% of medical charges go to admin overhead. This will go up to 40% and a lot of providors will close. Hospitals will have much higher costs and will take in less money.
A lot of workers will leave healthcare when they can. 1018 pages and it will micromanage medicine in so many more ways.
There will be a new worker called Public Health workforce corps. It will require education and will manage managers. ….Tell hospitals how to run hospitals.
seven on July 17, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Can’t wait to see how they respond to hundreds of thousands who show up at the capitol on 9/12.
They’ll have a lot of flipping off to do.
katy on July 17, 2009 at 8:23 PM
oops wrong thread
katy on July 17, 2009 at 8:24 PM
You obviously haven’t been listening to San Fran Nan. How in hell did such a moron ever become House Speaker — even a Demonrat Speaker?
sondiehl on July 17, 2009 at 9:22 PM
I got into a debate with a liberal over health care on Facebook yesterday. She ended her (ineffective) argument with “Have a good day, and remember, we won :p”
And they think they’re the intellectuals?
citrus on July 17, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Never hurts to include a link for those just tuning in:
.
9/12 March on Washington
scituate_tgr on July 18, 2009 at 9:01 AM
One of your posters the other day on another article said it best, ” doesn’t do any good to call your congressperson they don’t give a damn nor pay any attention to you. IT’S TIME TO MARCH ON WASHINGTON.
bluegrass on July 18, 2009 at 9:54 AM
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