CBS POLL: Obama's Speech Buoyed Public Support on Health Care - Highest of Presidency (52/38)

[jefferson_dem]

President Obama attempt to explain his plans for health care reform to the American public Wednesday night appear to have been successful — to some extent.

A CBS News poll shows that Americans now give him the best marks of his presidency on handling health care, but they're still divided over whether he's clearly explained his plan. And only 22 percent of those asked said the reforms now being considered would help them personally.

The day after Mr. Obama's congressional address, CBS re-interviewed 678 adults first questioned in a poll conducted August 27-31.

Last week, just 40 percent of these adults approved of how the president was handling health care. More, 47 percent, disapproved. After the speech, 52 percent said they approved and only 38 percent said they disapproved. Those are the best assessments for Mr. Obama's handling of health care shown all year by CBS News Polls.

PRESIDENT OBAMA’S HANDLING OF HEALTH CARE
Now Last week
Approve 52% 40%
Disapprove 38% 47%

President Obama's speech was particularly successful in unifying Democrats. Now, 85 percent of them approve of his handling of health care.

Approval rates also rose among independents and Republicans, but independents are still divided and only 17 percent of Republicans approve of the president's health care actions.

However, a majority of all adults still aren't sure he has met one important goal; clarifying what reforms would mean — although there has been major improvement. Before the speech, just 33 percent said Mr. Obama had clearly explained his plans for reform. That rose to 42 percent afterward, but 43 percent still said he had not clearly explained his plans.

HAS PRES. OBAMA CLEARLY EXPLAINED HIS PLANS FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM?
Now Last week Speech watchers
Yes 42% 33% 58%
No 43% 61% 39%

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http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/09/11/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5302288.shtml?tag=cbsnewsLeadStoriesAreaMain;cbsnewsLeadStoriesHeadlines

[Captain Hilts]

1. Very good. I hope it sticks. nt

[Clio the Leo]

2. And there ya go! NT

[a kennedy]

3. being a CBS poll these numbers won't show on the faux network...

:patriot:

[WyLoochka]

4. Glad it was successful with Dems

Opposition among Dems was reaching critical mass.

The 43% who say he didn't explain well enough - well 100 is the average IQ - so are those below that average ever going to understand any explanation?

These are the people who can only understand when they actually experience something. So just do it, as was done with Social Security and Medicare. They'll like it.

[Peacetrain]

5. Excellent...