by Michael Muskal
As President Obama steps up his push for health-care reform, the latest poll continues to raise questions about his trademark call for a bipartisan approach to politics.
An increasing number of Americans say they believe that Obama and Republicans are not working together to solve the nation's ills, according to a poll released today by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press.
Some 63 percent of those surveyed said that Obama and GOP are at odds, up from 50 percent in June.
More people blame the GOP than Obama for the dividie, but the poll shows that a growing number sees the president at fault. About 17 percent of those surveyed blamed Obama, up from 12 percent in June and 7 percent in February.
The latest findings come as the debate over health care has become increasingly fractured -- with Obama's popularity slipping.
A bare majority -- 51 percent -- approve of Obama's job performance, while 37 percent disapprove, according to the Pew poll. That is roughly the same as July's 54 percent job-approval for the president, but down 10 points from June's 61 percent.
Support among those saying they are independents also has dwindled from a 56-29 approval margin in June to about even, 45-43 percent, in the latest poll.
Obama today will participate in a telephone conference call with faith leaders to discuss the health insurance overhaul that he is seeking and on Thursday is scheduled to speak on the issue with the Democratic National Committee's Organizing for America group, an outgrowth of his supporters from the presidential campaign.
Obama also will discuss health care on Thursday with Philadelphia-based conservative radio talk show host Michael Smerconish, a less-favorable venue for the president.
The direct comments from Obama might offer some clue to how the president is thinking about the looming health-care battles in Congress, especially as the White House message has become increasingly muddled in recent days.
Obama was a strong proponent of a public option for health insurance during the presidential campaign and in the early days of his administration, arguing that it is needed to increase competition, thus lowering health costs, and to give consumers a choice in coverage.
However, the public option has been described by the administration as Obama's preference rather than a necessity as liberal Democrats believe - a concession to the split between the House and Senate on pending bills. Though both houses are controlled by Democrats, there are divisions within the party, and Republicans have grown more vocal in their push against current legislation.
That sharper disagreement between the political parties has influenced the Pew poll's results.
The poll found that favorable ratings for the Democratic Party have declined since spring. Just 49 percent said they have a favorable view of the Democratic Party, compared to a 59 percent positive rating in April and 62 percent in January.
Opinion of the Republican Party has remained constant, at 40 percent all year.
The newest survey of 2,010 adults was run Aug. 11-17 in English and Spanish and carries a possible margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. For more detail, see the Pew Poll.
Comments
I don't understand why we need a public health plan when we have Medicaid. Just re-vamp it and offer it to more people. Pattern it after Medicaid CHIP. Let it be offered for free for lower paid folks and for a low monthly fee for those a little higher. If people are out of work, they could go on the plan temporarily till they find work. A supplemental plan could be put in place to help those low income workers who have huge deductibles.
I'm reading the healthcare bill (h.r.3200) and detailing what it actually says at www.FaithfulinPrayer.wordpress.com. Come see what it says and let me know what you think.
Posted by: Jackie Durkee | August 19, 2009 1:34 PM
I hope our nation takes note of what leadership looks like. Given the lies and distortions, under which Corporate America is trying bury America, President Obama still has the guts, the intelligence and the courage to stick to what he thinks is right for all of America. I can say only one thing to President Obama: Thank you, Mr. President, for holding to what you believe in and not caving in to what the hired bullies, or goons, or is it " dissenters ", are peddling !! Those that are trying to scare or bully America into agreeing with their greedy schemes: A shame upon their house, or their Party !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | August 19, 2009 1:48 PM
The republicans have no desire for bipartisanship. When the news story a possible drop of the public option, good ol' Huckabee was out saying....not that this was a good step towards pbipartisanship, but that it showed Obama weak. That's how interested the right is on compromise. I say screw em. You can't compromise with a pollcat.
Posted by: bill r. | August 19, 2009 2:12 PM
Pres Obama's approval rating will go back up once we pass a healthcare bill.
Screw the Repugs.
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Posted by: Kathy | August 19, 2009 2:17 PM
Look on the bright side, as John D. and Terry T. have pointed out numerous times, at least "we won that war" in Iraq. Want to see what victory looks like?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/20/world/middleeast/20iraq.html?_r=1&hp
Posted by: dt☢ | August 19, 2009 2:24 PM
The GOP doesn't have anything to be exited about here, their approval ratings are lower than they've ever been.
Posted by: DarkSyde | August 19, 2009 2:25 PM
OMG! Obama's numbers are falling! Except, of course, the GOP's are falling too. And everyone already hates them. * Only 28% view the GOP favorably, the lowest since at least 2005.
* A huge majority wants major changes to the health care system, and a plurality says Obama is reforming health care at “the right pace.” The public wants change now, meaning voters will probably extract a major price if it doesn’t get done.
* Voters blame Republicans, and not Obama, for obstructionism: Fifty nine percent say Obama is working with the GOP on health care reform, versus only 33% who say Republicans are working with the president.
* Fifty five percent says Obama has the right ideas for health care reform, versus only 26% — barely more than one-fourth — who say the GOP does.
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http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/president-obama/flipside-of-those-polls-republicans-taking-it-on-the-chin-on-health-care-too/#
Posted by: Jason | August 19, 2009 2:36 PM
This part sums it up perfectly:
"But if the country is cautious about Obama’s health plans, it doesn’t seem to trust the Republican Party at all on the subject. Just 21 percent approve of the GOP’s handling of health care, versus 62 percent who disapprove."
Republicans know that a successful health care reform that achieves universal coverage will bury them electorally for a generation. Health Insurers and their Lobbyists and Big Pharma know that a powerful public option and a Medicare bargaining for prices will kick them off the gravy train permanently. Republicans and Big Insurance Company propagandists know their scare tactics aren't nearly as scary as reality for the large majority of Americans.
Posted by: K | August 19, 2009 2:42 PM
Obimbo drops three more points in this poll, and Silva says it is roughly the same. Mid 50s to barely over 50 and Silva says it is roughly the same. Did Axelrod write that for you?
By the Loons, MOST Americans do not want public health care. They do not want the government running the health care system, the banks, the auto companies, etc.
Posted by: John D | August 19, 2009 3:43 PM
The republicans have no desire for bipartisanship. When the news story a possible drop of the public option, good ol' Huckabee was out saying....not that this was a good step towards pbipartisanship, but that it showed Obama weak. That's how interested the right is on compromise. I say screw em. You can't compromise with a pollcat.
Posted by: bill r. | August 19, 2009 2:12 PM
Bill, SURE the Republicans are in favor of bipartisanship. They just define it as: "Be reasonable -- do it MY way and shut up."
Posted by: Op109 | August 19, 2009 3:53 PM
Since the repubs have announced they won't vote for any health-care reform bill, regardless of what's in it, they've declared themselves to be irrelevant. IMHO, the dems shouldn't waste any more time trying to negotiate with them. This is probably their only chance to pass a comprehensive health-care bill that includes a public option and other benefits, including end-of-life counseling.
Posted by: incognita | August 19, 2009 4:00 PM
Let us get what we have in place working first. This is like putting a new set of tires on a car with a busted engine. It will still not move.
Medicare is a great program and with a bit of work can be presented to others other than seniors. Change - yeah for sure, but change in degrees - what is the big rush..get it done right -
Posted by: BigbadSouthsideJim | August 19, 2009 4:26 PM
Obimbo drops three more points in this poll, and Silva says it is roughly the same. Mid 50s to barely over 50 and Silva says it is roughly the same. Did Axelrod write that for you?
Posted by: John D | August 19, 2009 3:43 PM
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Lil' Johnny ManBoobs,
You and RNC Brucie were also the ones who were running around on here last fall yelling at Mark and Frank and saying that the "polls" really showed that McCain was leading in the Prez election.
You and RNC Brucie have ZERO credibilty, none, zip, nada.
PS - Obama is working with the auto companies and the banks etc because your heroes, the BushCo Republicans, not only screwed up the economy they also buried our manufacturing secter.
Posted by: janet | August 19, 2009 4:31 PM
Bill, SURE the Republicans are in favor of bipartisanship. They just define it as: "Be reasonable -- do it MY way and shut up."
Posted by: Op109 | August 19, 2009 3:53 PM
When a republican president and leader of the republican party say "you're either with us or against us", you can tell the mentality.
Posted by: bill r. | August 19, 2009 4:50 PM
How you tell when politician lie?
Comrade Pelosi blink
Slick Willy rub nose
Comrade Obama open mouth
Dumb Donkey Gibbs laugh...Hehaw..he..haw..he..haw!
I Igor produce Barrack Milhaus Hussein Obama Birth Certificate at www.igormarxo.org
Compare Obama Care vs Igor Care at Obama vs Igor Care
Posted by: Igor Marxomarxovich | August 19, 2009 5:31 PM
There is nothing like Republican/Libertarian nonsense. It is pure entertainment !! Thanks, all of you, good Americans, for trying to scare, bully or mislead our nation. You sure know how to serve your country !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | August 19, 2009 5:52 PM
I Igor produce Barrack Milhaus Hussein Obama Birth Certificate at www.igormarxo.orgCompare Obama Care vs Igor Care at Obama vs Igor Care
Posted by: Igor Marxomarxovich | August 19, 2009 5:31 PM
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THIS KIND OF BS MISINFORMATION GARBAGE (see above) IS ALL THE GOPer's HAVE LEFT.
Why in the world ANYONE would be stupid enough to trust or believe them (GOP) on any issue is beyond me.
Posted by: LoveBuzz | August 19, 2009 6:19 PM
Oh Dumb Dumb Janet, Bush didn't ruin manufacturing, Democrats do that. And Obimbo's cap and trade bill will send just about all the remaining manufacturing jobs overseas.
Oh Dumb Dumb, Ford is doing OK. Ford needed no bailout. The Japanese automakers also are holding their own and manufacturing here without union workers. Hmmmm, perhaps a connection?
Posted by: John D | August 19, 2009 6:43 PM
Obama's poll numbers are worse than George W. Bush's:
"The latest Gallup poll shows President Obama with a 51 percent approval rating — the lowest of his administration. More interestingly, Obama’s approval is down 14 points from his initial rating — tying President Clinton for the biggest drop since the Eisenhower era.
For those interested, here’s how different presidents match up when comparing their initial approval rating with their average approval rating in the August of their first term: Eisenhower +6 (from 68 to 74 percent), Kennedy +4 (from 72 to 76 percent), Nixon +3 (from 59 to 62 percent), Carter -3 (from 66 to 63 percent), Reagan +9 (from 51 to 60 percent), George H. W. Bush +18 (from 51 to 69 percent), Clinton -14 (from 58 to 44 percent), George W. Bush -1 (from 57 to 56 percent), and Obama -14 (from 68 to 54 percent)." [Peter Wehner at NRO]
Posted by: Is Dissent still Patriotic? | August 19, 2009 7:34 PM
Good thing we have the GOP or Obama would already be Americas first Dictator.
Posted by: Inky | August 19, 2009 7:50 PM
Kathy,
You have a point. Pass this bill with no GOP support and whatever support you lose from the Blue Dogs. The libs will be in the minority for a generation. The country will be sick of BO's deficits and debt the BO is saddling this country and future generations with. Do not mess with the kids.
Posted by: Terry | August 19, 2009 8:14 PM
Pass this bill with no GOP support and whatever support you lose from the Blue Dogs. The libs will be in the minority for a generation. The country will be sick of BO's deficits and debt the BO is saddling this country and future generations with. Do not mess with the kids.
Posted by: Terry | August 19, 2009 8:14 PM
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Americans overwelmingly voted for healthcare reform when they elected Obama, who ran on it. The manufactured Repug "protests" are just that - manufactored.
And I'm glad you keep bringning up deficits, seeing as how it has been Republican Presidents who have contributed the most to that deficit total..
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http://nodilettante.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/budget_deficit_or_surplus.gif
Posted by: anti terry | August 19, 2009 9:38 PM
Trickled-On Anti John E,
Now that the Anerican people are seeing what they voted, they are having buyers' remorse.
And here is what BO's deficits will look like. BO's deficits will make those of the Bush administration look like your milk money
http://rpc.senate.gov/public/_files/042909100DaysofBailoutsandMakingaBadSituationWorse.pdf
Posted by: Terry | August 19, 2009 10:04 PM
And here is what BO's deficits will look like. BO's deficits will make those of the Bush administration look like your milk money
Posted by: Terry | August 19, 2009 10:04 PM
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TrickleDown Terri,
Pres Obama added the Iraq war that your heroes Bush and Cheney hid off budget all those years past, thus the increase.
Pres Obama could spend the next two years straight doing nothing but deficit spending and he still wouldn't come closing to equaling the amount of spending (absolute wasteful spending in the case of Iraq) that your heroes in BushCo did.
You're not fooling anyone, corporate butt boy.
.
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/20767.html
Posted by: anti terry | August 19, 2009 10:33 PM
Trickled On Anti John E,
Obviously I have gone over the head of one loon.
The comparison of Bush's ACTUAL deficits and BO's PROJECTED deficits, both include the cost of the War on Terror. President Bush's budgets did not include the projected expenditrures, but his actual deficits did. Those pesky facts.
BAck to mom and dad's basement, unemployed butt boy
Posted by: Terry | August 20, 2009 8:45 PM
Is it any surprise Obama and the Democrat's Polls are so low? Watch out and protect yourselves folks! When Elitists lose popularity they may pull a large Psyop operation on the public, as is their custom! If they do we'll know it was the Elitists!
People are beginning to see through Obama, politicians', elitists' both in the right and left parties' blackmailed Reps' and Reps' on the take - illusions, clearly. They are catching glimpses of the hidden. The old tricks that were at one time so effective at mesmerizing aren't working as well as they once did. People are beginning to walk away from the shell game the politicians and the power elite are playing. They are spotting the slight of hand. The masses want their independence, their power, and their money back. No illusion, no matter how well thought out, elaborate or expensive, will change that.
For the full story go to The American Chronicle or infowars website or: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/115191
Posted by: M Btok | August 24, 2009 2:30 AM