(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in the United States believe the recent discussions over health care should continue until a true reform is achieved, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 61 per cent of respondents agree with this notion, while 21 per cent would prefer to abandon all proposals related to health care reform and leave things as they are.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in the United States believe the recent discussions over health care should continue until a true reform is achieved, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 61 per cent of respondents agree with this notion, while 21 per cent would prefer to abandon all proposals related to health care reform and leave things as they are.
Health care in the U.S. is based on a system of benefits provided by employers, as well as the Medicare and Medicaid programs which allocate health insurance for the elderly, disabled and poor. Around 47 million Americans are uninsured.
In American presidential elections, candidates require 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the White House. In November 2008, Democratic nominee Barack Obama secured a majority of electoral votes, defeating Republican candidate John McCain. Obama became the first African American president in U.S. history when he took over from George W. Bush—who served two four-year terms—in January 2009.
One of Obama’s main campaign pledges was to increase access to health care for all Americans.
In November 2009, lawmakers in the lower house of Congress approved a bill—known as the Affordable Health Care for America Act—in a 220-215 vote. In December, the Senate passed its own version of the bill in a 60-39 vote.
The House bill seeks to create a government-run health insurance plan—also known as the public option—that would allow people who are uninsured to obtain coverage. The Senate bill does not contemplate a public option. The differences between the two bills are expected to be reconciled by both houses this year.
The House is expected to vote on the Senate bill tomorrow. Yesterday, Obama said that "the insurance industry will continue to run amok" if Congress votes against health care reform, adding, "The only question left is this: Are we going to let the special interests win again, or are we going to make this vote a victory for the American people?"
Polling Data
Which of these statements comes closest to your own point of view?
|
I would prefer to continue debating health care until a true reform can be achieved |
61%
|
|
I would prefer to abandon all proposals related to health care reform and leave things as they are
|
21%
|
|
Not sure
|
18%
|
Source: Angus Reid Public Opinion
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,003 American adults, conducted on Mar. 17 and Mar. 18, 2010. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
