Polling for Reform
One of the tools I use in my analysis of public policy issues is polling data. By looking at the responses individuals give when answering questions, it helps me figure where people are coming from. What’s interesting in the polls on health care reform is the dichotomy of “something needs to be done” juxtaposed to “no one is quite sure what to do”. The perfect example of this is a poll by Bloomberg. Take a look at the results of a survey of more than 1,000 people done as health care reform was passing Congress.
Do you favor or oppose the health care overhaul plan currently under debate in Congress? (Language changed 3/22 to:) Do you favor or oppose the health care overhaul plan passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last night?
38% Favor, 50% Oppose (chart)
For the following statements about health care, please tell me if you agree or disagree.
Health care is like police and fire protection, and the government has a role in making sure everyone has access to care they can afford
64% Agree, 34% Disagree
Health care is a private matter and individuals should make sure their needs are taken care of, through insurance, public clinics, or by paying for services directly
60% Agree, 35% Disagree
Health care is so complicated it is hard for the average American to understand the proposals that are currently being discussed
75% Agree, 23% Disagree
The cost of doing nothing on health care will be greater than the cost of the proposed plan to overhaul it
51% Agree, 40% Disagree
The current proposal to overhaul health care helps others but not me
48% Agree, 43% Disagree
The health care system is fine the way it is
20% Agree, 79% Disagree
The current proposal to overhaul health care amounts to a government takeover
53% Agree, 42% Disagree
At some point the health care system will need to be reformed, but not now
47% Agree, 51% Disagree
This data shows me that the public wants reform, but isn’t quite sure how to do it. Thus, the dichotomy at the national level. This is why I find the debate fascinating and the ultimate winner of this debate will be the person who can craft a policy and a message that can get at least 55% of the public to be on board. Good luck with that one.
