David P. Bernal

President continues to turn a deaf ear to public opinion

February 19, 2010 - California's Congressional District 11

David P. Bernal, Political Activist to the White House... "Are you ready to listen yet?" 

 

Public Opinion:

Polling Suggest Americans Want to Start Over: The most recent polling suggests that while Americans want Congress to keep moving on health care reform, a majority think lawmakers should not rush through legislation.

A new Zogby International/University of Texas Health Science Center poll finds that 57 percent of respondents agree with the statement that lawmakers should start from scratch. When presented with a choice of approach:

	Nearly 44 percent say Congress should start over;
	Just over 25 percent say Congress should pass some sort of legislation and fix it later; and
	Only about 18 percent believe the House should pass the Senate bill alongside other legislation.

Another poll released by Franklin & Marshall College finds that while approximately 75 percent of Americans want health care reform, a majority of respondents (four out of five) are happy with their current health care. Only one in five says that the current system does not meet their personal needs. Further, the latest Quinnipiac University poll released last week shows that American voters still disapprove (54 -- 35 percent) of Obama's health care reform plan, but say (52 -- 44 percent) they want Congress and the President to continue their efforts to reform the system.  

In addition, a New York Times/CBS poll released this month shows that only 13 percent of Americans believe health care reform is the most important issue facing the nation. Rather, jobs and the economy topped their priority list. The study also finds that 56 percent prefer "smaller government, providing fewer services."

Looking Ahead:

Both House and Senate lawmakers will return to Washington next Monday as Republicans and Democrats hash out their strategy for Thursday's upcoming Health Care Summit.

 

        

 

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