Okay, what can I say, today is my “look at the data” day (Wednesdays). Here (below) are some CNN Poll results from the 16th-18th.
What is important to note is that while there is not a consensus of support for Health Care Reform (as CNN states: “Americans split on Obama proposals” and “Obama's poll numbers show wear and tear”), the data show that “it’s all relative.” Obama’s numbers are “lower” than they were (i.e., they have regressed to a “mean” or average), but so are everyone else’s.
When the public is asked whether they should follow Obama’s proposals or do nothing, they say “follow Obama’s proposals.” When Americans are asked who do they trust to make policy decisions on Health Care, the Republicans or Obama, they say, “Obama.” And, when asked about the public options, there is not only overwhelming support (61%), the levels have increased since the summer (i.e., an example of how both WHO is polled, and WHAT is asked about, can matter). Much more telling is how only 20% of Americans consider themselves “Republicans.” While asking what party a person considers themselves is wrought with error, it does say that Republicans are not increasing their “brand equity.” People think the same thing, or worse, about Republicans that they did last November.
The point: Ignore the Headlines, watch the data. Negative frames around the president’s poll numbers do not [therefore] mean that other’s numbers are positive.
Here are the results for Healthcare: http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/10/21/rel15f.pdf