October 14, 2009
10/14: Obama’s Handling of Health Care…Not What the Doctor Ordered?
Just less than half — 49% — of the U.S. electorate disapproves of how President Barack Obama is handling health care. 44% approve. When Marist last asked this question in August, voters divided. 43% of registered voters approved of Mr. Obama’s handling of health care while 45% did not.
©istockphoto.com/VisualField
Since that previous poll, opinion remains split along party lines. 68% of Democrats approve of the president’s actions while 80% of Republicans disapprove. Two months ago, 74% of Democrats and 76% of Republicans held these respective views. Little has changed among Independent voters. A majority of this group — 53% — do not like how Mr. Obama is handling the issue. A similar proportion of Independents — 52% — was not satisfied with the president’s handling of health care two months ago.
Table: Handling of Health Care
Majority of Voters Approve of Public Option
The proposed public option in health care reform has come under a great deal of debate. Do Americans think a public option is a good thing or a bad thing? 60% think it would prove beneficial while 27% think it would be detrimental. Similar proportions of registered voters agree.
Not surprisingly, 75% of Democrats believe the option is a good thing, and 12% do not. Looking at Republicans, 40% believe it to be a benefit, and 49% think there’s a better way to go. A majority of Independents — 57% — say a public option would be a good thing. 30% disagree. Interestingly, voters who identify themselves as ideologically conservative divide. 43% are for the public option, and 44% are against it.
Related Stories:
10/14: President Obama’s Approval Rating at 53%…Loses More Ground Among Independents
10/14: Voters Divide Over Handling of Economy…Obama Slips Among Independent Voters