The problems with the rollout of the health exchanges have given Republicans new reasons to criticize the law. However, the percentage of Republicans who disapprove of the law is already so high that it would be difficult for it to rise further. Eighty-six percent now disapprove, little changed from August.

On the other hand, President Barack Obama has taken to the airwaves to defend his signature legislation and to urge Americans to be patient as his administration works out the technical issues on the health exchange website — and Democrats may be listening. Democrats’ approval of the law has risen to 83%, up 12 percentage points since August. In fact, the percentage of Democrats who approve the law nearly matches the percentage of Republicans who disapprove. Independents’ approval is up by five points from August, but their views remain significantly more negative than positive.