Over the weekend, Democratic leaders spoke of an historic moment as health care reform legislation passed the House of Representatives. But that legislative victory failed to significantly move public opinion.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% now favor the health care plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats. Most (52%) remain opposed.
Only 25% Strongly Support the plan while 42% are Strongly Opposed.
Support for the plan has remained essentially unchanged for months. Last week, it was supported by 42% and two weeks ago support was at 45%. It has generally stayed between 41% and 46% since July, and support has bounced above that level only in the wake of nationally televised appeals by the president.
As has been the case for months, Democrats favor the plan while Republicans and voters not affiliated with either major party are opposed. The latest numbers show support from 81% of those in the president’s party. The plan is opposed by 90% of Republicans and 58% of unaffiliated voters.
At this point the majority of the public has made up their minds one way or another on Obamacare and the numbers are not fluctuating much but are steady in their patterns.
So while the House may be able to jam through anything Pelosi's heart desires, the Senate will not be able to follow that guide. There are enough moderate Democrats voted into conservative districts that understand going totally against the majority will cost them their political jobs as well as a united front by the GOP against government run healthcare aka the "public option" that Reid has insisted be part of the language.
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