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Public Health Care Reform Opposition Withers

by: Colorado Pols

Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 09:07:38 AM MST

As the AP reports, and we've been confidently predicting for...best not to gloat:

Strong opposition stands at 30%, close to the lowest level registered in Associated Press-GfK surveys dating to September 2009...
Opposition to the law remains strongest among Republicans: 71% say they are against it, compared with 35% of independents and 19% of Democrats. Republicans won control of the House partly on their promise to repeal what they call "Obamacare."
But as the House prepares to vote on repeal this week, public support for that has flagged. Only about 1 in 4 respondents said they wanted to do away with the law completely. Even among Republicans, repeal draws markedly less support than it did a few weeks ago: 49%, compared with 61% after the November election...

Here you see the result of the time since passage of federal health care reform legislation, and the demystification of the new law's effects, that we've been telling you for over a year can only result in a turnaround in public support. In a way, it's simple: the Republican opposition to health care reform became sufficiently detached from reality that the public was certain to start pulling back from their irrational, emotional dislike for the bill, as soon as the politics surrounding it began to deflate. That process began after the bill was passed, and has sped up since the elections.

This is why we said repeatedly last year, while acknowledging the short-term political damage Democrats were likely to suffer for reforming health care, that the 2010 elections were in all probability the only elections that Republicans would be able to win by opposing it. On the day after the bill was passed, we quoted leading conservative strategist David Frum, whose warning to his colleagues on the right seems even more prescient as the House GOP takes up their meaningless, DOA-on-passage health care repeal vote this week:

No illusions please: This bill will not be repealed. Even if Republicans scored a 1994 style landslide in November, how many votes could we muster to re-open the "doughnut hole" and charge seniors more for prescription drugs? How many votes to re-allow insurers to rescind policies when they discover a pre-existing condition? How many votes to banish 25 year olds from their parents' insurance coverage? And even if the votes were there - would President Obama sign such a repeal?
We followed the most radical voices in the party and the movement, and they led us to abject and irreversible defeat.

We know a couple of freshman Republicans from Colorado, both of whom ran on a pledge to repeal "Obamacare" and will in all probability be running in perfectly competitive districts in 2012, who should be looking very hard at these poll numbers--and the trajectory of polling on the issue since passage--and thinking about whether joining in the last gasp of reform opposition histrionics we're likely to see, as public opinion shifts out from under them...is really a wise career move.

Colorado Pols :: Public Health Care Reform Opposition Withers

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Public Health Care Reform Opposition Withers | 65 comments

And, specifically to those freshmen Republicans,

I say: "Please, sirs, allow me to introduce you to some folks you're going to get to know real well soon. If I may, meet Mr. Rock, and over here, Ms. Hardplace.

Have a nice time, boys."

Don't believe everything you think.
"Hes been stomping on him own dick." -- a leading conservative sage

by: Diogenesdemar @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 16:27:40 PM UTC

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I also found interesting, in the same report,

The 43% figure that wanted the reform to be more extensive. I've always felt that the fact that a great chunk of disapproval comes from those who don't think it goes far enough, especially in not providing a public option, has always been ignored by MSM pundits who just lumped all the disapproval into one category implying that the public was objecting because it was seen as way too lefty. Not exactly.

And, in the wake of all the post-Tucson discussion and the positive reception of Obama's speech at the memorial and the generally friendly response to Udall's suggestion for mixed seating at the SOTU, doesn't the title, something like "Repealing the Job Killing Health Care Reform Act", sound even more juvenile and petty than it did a couple of weeks ago?

I think that, while the shrinking wacko Rush and Palin loving base still loves to hear nasty childish carrying on about bullets over ballots and second amendment solutions to the problem of not getting all you want out of legitimate elections, there is a growing public yearning for our elected officials to start acting like sensible, decent grown ups and focus on getting useful things done.

The Rs now seem to be trying to find a way to bend a little bit to that without losing too much fringe. This would be a great time for Dems to come out of their usual defensive (we're really not a bunch of socialist weaklings even though the big strong Rs say mean things about us) crouch, stand tall and rev up a message juggernaut of their own.

by: BlueCat @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 17:03:58 PM UTC

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Exactly right.

And as I've said before, an overwhelming majority of the country do NOT oppose it on the basis of being a "new gov't bureaucracy" or whatever that particular meme has been. Most Americans do NOT oppose that kind of government.

If a large number of Americans oppose large government expenditures and the deficits, what needs to end is pork, and Americans are going to have to own up to the fact that they all benefit from pork and have to be willing to sacrifice it there.

(My favorite Michael Moore moment was from the mid 90s, when he took his TV show to a 4th of July parade in Gingrich's district in support of "getting government off your back" by calling for the shutdown of all the pork projects present there. The looks on the faces in the crowd were priceless.)

Americans are otherwise quite content with "big government" and "entitlements" and all the other stuff. Righties who believe the 2010 elections were a validation of their ideology are about to be sorely disappointed.

Will ArapaGOP rescind his factually incorrect assertion regarding Rep. Coram and his son?

by: Aristotle @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 19:21:13 PM UTC

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But Dems have to take advantage by

doing whatever it takes to successfully challenge GOP/conservative message hegemony or Rs will just let Frank Luntz figure out what they need to sell now and how to sell it.

by: BlueCat @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 20:14:51 PM UTC

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I couldn't have said it better, BC.

R's never seem to paas up an opportunity to over reach. Dems need to be ready to win some hearts and minds.

"A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy, or, perhaps, both." James Madison

by: dukeco1 @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 13:07:37 PM UTC

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Oh noes! All that withering!

Withering can happen when you take a poll that doesn't ask for likely, or even registered voters, and then take a 12 percentage point smaller sample or Republicans that the previous poll.

Nice try, though.

by: Laughing Boy @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 20:27:34 PM UTC

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Unfortunately for you...

The poll covers from Sep. 2009, when opposition was at its peak (and likely voter screens weren't yet in place). It also compares Republican support levels against Republican support levels, invalidating your concern for smaller Republican sample levels.

It's likely that some of the withering is coming from the elderly, who as of this year get some coverage for their medication "donut hole". And some of it is probably coming from people who are covering their college kids. And some of it is probably coming from small business owners who now get tax breaks for covering their employees. And... you get the idea. Most of the reform proposals are popular.

"There's a Romney Rule. The Romney Rule says, let's double down on the tax cuts for the wealthy." -- VP Joe Biden

by: Phoenix Rising @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 20:37:37 PM UTC

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Nah.

It's a bullshit poll. And a bullshit law. People still hate it.

As one would expect -- with the same percentage of Democratic-leaning respondents having been surveyed both times -- the level of support for Obamacare remained essentially unchanged: 41 percent supported it previously; 40 percent support it now. Just as unsurprisingly, when the percentage of Republican-leaning respondents dropped by 12 points, the level of opposition to Obamacare dropped by 11 points (from 52 to 41 percent).

by: Laughing Boy @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 20:43:18 PM UTC

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I'm a person

and I don't hate it. So please don't speak for me.

by: Pat Boon @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 20:48:06 PM UTC

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The Weekly Standard?

Your reading habits have gone downhill.

How do you explain the drop in Republican respondents' opposition?

"There's a Romney Rule. The Romney Rule says, let's double down on the tax cuts for the wealthy." -- VP Joe Biden

by: Phoenix Rising @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 20:48:51 PM UTC

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I think he's explaining it

with a proportional drop of respondents who self-identify as Republican-leaning.

(and that, all by itself, is a data point)

This is serious, you commie dolt --davebarnes, 2012.

by: Ralphie @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 20:53:07 PM UTC

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Apples and oranges.

Two totally differently weighted samples, not registered or likely voters.

by: Laughing Boy @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 20:53:52 PM UTC

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See my rebuttals.

This poll has been running since Feb '09, and in that time only once did it sample likely voters (alongside total voters). Same sample type.

"There's a Romney Rule. The Romney Rule says, let's double down on the tax cuts for the wealthy." -- VP Joe Biden

by: Phoenix Rising @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 21:56:35 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Actually, it's a bullshit analysis

First, you assume by saying it's not likely/registered voters that it's somehow flawed: last I checked, whether you voted or not, you were still a citizen of this country.

Second, according to the actual poll data and polling history (PDF), only a single poll was done with a likely voter screen (Oct 2010) - and the AP-GfK poll simultaneously published their total voter sample at the time, so you can see the comparison. The change in total voter self-identification from that poll is a measly 4 points lower for Republicans, one point lower for Democrats.

Third, based on that total voter sample, opposition is down 4% from October, and 6% from just after the election. Support is even from October, up 2% from post-election. And neutral is up 5% from October (4% from November). These are all equivalent comparisons, month to month...

"There's a Romney Rule. The Romney Rule says, let's double down on the tax cuts for the wealthy." -- VP Joe Biden

by: Phoenix Rising @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 21:03:08 PM UTC

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(PS - that change in voter self-identification)

... that's called "buyer's remorse" - or possibly just polling variations, since it's within the 4.2% MOE.

Oh - one more point from the AP-GfK poll: only 25% want the law repealed. 47% want it strengthened in some way.

"There's a Romney Rule. The Romney Rule says, let's double down on the tax cuts for the wealthy." -- VP Joe Biden

by: Phoenix Rising @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 21:49:11 PM UTC

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That poll is meaningless, LB

and you know it.

The question was approve-disapprove. Another poll , released yesterday, I think,asked: Should the health care law...

1. Do more?
2. Be repealed?
3. Be left alone?
4. Do less?

I don't recall the actual numbers except that the "Leave it as is" and the "make it do MORE" groups added up to 62%.

I think it was a NYT or WSJ poll.

"A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy, or, perhaps, both." James Madison

by: dukeco1 @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 13:16:50 PM UTC

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I don't think it was the same as the one below. n/t

"A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy, or, perhaps, both." James Madison

by: dukeco1 @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 15:05:02 PM UTC

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Suckas!

by: MADCO @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 21:00:19 PM UTC

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"... freshman Republicans from Colorado..." Including "Mr. 50%"

by: MADCO @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 21:01:09 PM UTC

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Here's a follow-up

A new Marist poll (WashPost article) showing the following:

Which one of the following comes closest to your opinion about what Congress should do with the 2010 health care law:
Let it stand: 14
Change it so it does more: 35
Change it so it does less: 13
Repeal it completely: 30

Looks like stronger reform has the plurality, and "keep it or make it stronger" comes closest to a majority of any sane combo of the four answers ("more" and "repeal" not being a sane combo...).

"There's a Romney Rule. The Romney Rule says, let's double down on the tax cuts for the wealthy." -- VP Joe Biden

by: Phoenix Rising @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 21:09:21 PM UTC

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Blah blah blah nice try.

The poll is so skewed it's not even funny. 48% Democrat to 34% Republican? It should be more like 60% Republican to 40% Democrat based on the last election.

"...energy shouldn't be in the market." - Aristotle

by: bjwilson83 @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 21:29:50 PM UTC

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If you're going to challenge it

You might want to use actual numbers from the poll. 42% Democrat (includes 14% Independent, Lean Democrat), 36% Republican (includes 11% Independent, Lean Republican), 6% Independent (no lean), 16% DK/NA.

That tracks with the poll's historical trends. And it is a better showing for Republicans than during Sep. 2009 when opposition was strongest.

You're a mathemetician - see my link above and READ THE POLL.

"There's a Romney Rule. The Romney Rule says, let's double down on the tax cuts for the wealthy." -- VP Joe Biden

by: Phoenix Rising @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 21:54:28 PM UTC

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He won't.

The people who think for him have already given him his talking point, and he's delivering it like he's supposed to do.

Will ArapaGOP rescind his factually incorrect assertion regarding Rep. Coram and his son?

by: Aristotle @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 22:10:55 PM UTC

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Oh sorry

I was reading an older poll. Still, the numbers were biased.

"...energy shouldn't be in the market." - Aristotle

by: bjwilson83 @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 22:27:43 PM UTC

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LB and BJ are Waiting for the Rasmussen Poll

"Those who can't do, comment."

from a New Yorker cartoon

by: caroman @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 22:45:55 PM UTC

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They're waiting for H-man to come back

with more of his bogus polls.

This is serious, you commie dolt --davebarnes, 2012.

by: Ralphie @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 22:46:49 PM UTC

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We'll see him soon enough.

2012 is right around the corner and he'll be back, as a paid shill, under a different name, for yet another lucky candidate.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 22:50:50 PM UTC

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I wonder...

We're not going to have any major statewide races that cycle, are we? Unless the GOP really is desperate for a presence here, plugging for their POTUS nominee...

Will ArapaGOP rescind his factually incorrect assertion regarding Rep. Coram and his son?

by: Aristotle @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 22:52:11 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

US Rep races (I'm thinking CD4 for H-Man)

and the presidential race ought to bring him back out of hiding.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 23:00:05 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I guess we'll see.

If there's a real contest there, my guess is maybe. If Gardner looks to cruise to re-election, probably not.

Will ArapaGOP rescind his factually incorrect assertion regarding Rep. Coram and his son?

by: Aristotle @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 01:34:08 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

new name or not- he owes me $50.

by: MADCO @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 23:18:24 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Well, at this point, who cares.

It's not like you're ever going to see it, from him or anybody else, for that matter.

That crazy fuck that ran for the Senate (Charlie what's his name) owes me a $100 and just as soon as he pays up, I'll take you to a Cubs game. Hold your breath and wait for that.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 23:24:07 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

If I can get to a Cubs game just by getting some dude to pay up...

consider it done.

Who is this guy- and is it possible he's HMan?

by: MADCO @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 23:34:35 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Well, right on.

The next time I need a strong arm back up when I'm dealing with the crazies, I'm calling YOU.

Charley Miller. Remember that crazy bastard? He used to blog here how he was going to beat Bennet and Buck because the people were uprising or...something...

Anyway, go get my money, baby.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 23:44:22 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Oh. ....that guy never bet.

And I'd feel bad taking money from the mentally deranged.

by: MADCO @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 01:32:47 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

So you **aren't** holding H-Man

and GOPwarrior to their debts?

ColoradoPols - A nice place where a slur is more offensive than the needless and random politicization of a minor's rape.

by: droll @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 02:48:58 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

I am.

by: MADCO @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 04:32:36 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Not you, dummy.

ME. He bet ME. I want my fucking money.

So, go get it.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 02:49:31 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

It's gotten really hard to find

an attentive leg breaker these days.

ROFL.

Don't believe everything you think.
"Hes been stomping on him own dick." -- a leading conservative sage

by: Diogenesdemar @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 03:21:09 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Ok Ok - keep your pants on.

You got proof?

by: MADCO @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 04:33:24 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Yes.

And worry about your own pants.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 14:15:03 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Words to live by.

There once was a speaker named Frank
Asked to vote his conscience, he drew a blank
Bet it all to kill just one bill
Now, here's the word on the Hill:
This fall, Dems have the House in the tank.

by: ProgressiveCowgirl @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 22:05:18 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Cubs game?

Why not make it a Cubs World Series game while your fantasizing about paybacks!

"History is'a made at night! Character is what you are in the dark!" Lord John Worfin

by: Meiner49er @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 14:33:35 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Hey Ralph?

Can you check your email?

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 22:52:05 PM UTC

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now that I'm done with dinner

Yes.

This is serious, you commie dolt --davebarnes, 2012.

by: Ralphie @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 00:59:03 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Waiting for H-Man. Me too.

by: MADCO @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 23:17:57 PM UTC

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Waiting for Rasmussen . . . Krugman's take on these guys

"The War on Logic", January 16, 2011, New York Times

Given that their minds were made up from the beginning, top Republicans weren't interested in and didn't need any real policy analysis - in fact, they're basically contemptuous of such analysis, something that shines through in their health care report. All they ever needed or wanted were some numbers and charts to wave at the press, fooling some people into believing that we're having some kind of rational discussion. We aren't

(my emphasis)

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01...

Don't believe everything you think.
"Hes been stomping on him own dick." -- a leading conservative sage

by: Diogenesdemar @ Mon Jan 17, 2011 at 23:31:05 PM UTC

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They may not be interested in analysis

But they sure are interested in setting Issa loose to do punitive investigations. Issa may find out that people who live in glass houses shouldn't initiate all that many investigations:

In 1997, he decided to run for the United States Senate. His impressive background-working-class high-school dropout, Army officer who helped protect the President, and self-made high-tech tycoon interested in law and order-helped him attract some of the best campaign operatives in California. He started out by spending two million dollars on radio ads. One of the first declared, "Sometimes people mispronounce his name, but, once you get to know Darrell Issa, you discover this is a life with more great chapters yet to be written."
Issa didn't even win the Republican primary. Although he outspent his main opponent, Matt Fong, the state treasurer, by some nine million dollars, he lost by five points. His campaign fell apart after a burst of investigative reporting raised serious questions about his honesty and his past. Many politicians have committed indiscretions in earlier years: maybe they had an affair or hired an illegal immigrant as a nanny. Issa, it turned out, had, among other things, been indicted for stealing a car, arrested for carrying a concealed weapon, and accused by former associates of burning down a building.
In May of 1998, Lance Williams, of the San Francisco Examiner, reported that Issa had not always received the "highest possible" ratings in the Army. In fact, at one point he "received unsatisfactory conduct and efficiency ratings and was transferred to a supply depot." Williams also discovered that Issa didn't provide security for Nixon at the 1971 World Series, because Nixon didn't attend any of the games.

http://www.newyorker.com/repor...

and, of course, the car stealing story is always fun, too.

by: BlueCat @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 00:23:05 AM UTC

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Go Issa! N/t

by: Laughing Boy @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 13:52:06 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

So what's your fave, LB?

The theft, the arson, the lies or the sorry military record? While unsatsfactory conduct doesn't sound all that serious, in the military it's pretty damning. Looking forward to all of it being discussed constantly in the media as Issa proceeds with the threatened non-stop stream of investigations. Go Issa, indeed.

by: BlueCat @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 16:30:51 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Sorry BC

Not today's media.

They'll be distracted by a new shiny object each time Issa holds a hearing.

This is serious, you commie dolt --davebarnes, 2012.

by: Ralphie @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 16:32:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I don't know, Ralphie

All the dirt, not yet much of a blip on the public's screen will make for some pretty good new shiny objects. These are fun stories. But here's something to enjoy while it lasts:

In post-Tucson polls Obama approval hits 53% and 54% ( Post-ABC and CNN) with lowest disapproval since March 2010. But how about this piece of the polling?

In the Post-ABC poll, 78 percent of Americans said they approve of how Obama has responded to the shooting, including 91 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of Republicans. Sarah Palin does less well, with 30 percent saying they approve of how she responded to the shooting while 46 percent said they disapprove of her response.

http://www.politico.com/news/s...

I realize that Rs approving of Obama's response in this case, as even Glen Beck did, doesn't mean they'll be voting for the guy but the happy dance over 2012 GOP hegemony may be just a taste premature. If nothing else this shows how fast things can change, so best not to make too many even modestly long term predictions or initiate too much victory anticipating celebration. Naturally, the same goes for Dems.

by: BlueCat @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 16:58:36 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Issa's problems are old news

The hearings are new news.

I'm just sayin'

This is serious, you commie dolt --davebarnes, 2012.

by: Ralphie @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 17:09:07 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

They aren't old news to the general public

is all I'm sayin'. In a world where people can hardly name any elected officials beyond Presidents and a few really famous Senators, fun scandals, no matter how old, dealing with Issa (a "who's he" to most) will be sparkly. Sure, interest will fade quickly as each story gets its 15 minutes but there are so many of them and he plans to hog so much spotlight so often with investigations. And you know how the media hates discussing boring stuff like details of investigations (or of policy or legislation - yawn)and can't resist the slightest chance switch to supermarket tabloid style hooks to wake people up. The Issa stories have it all. Stay tuned.

by: BlueCat @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 19:49:41 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Don't get me wrong, BC

I'm no fan of Issa.

But there were no convictions. And Issa has already used the "old news" defense. Unless something else happens, there's nothing to refresh the story.

So it might last one news cycle at most.

Meanwhile, with his bully pulpit committee chairmanship, Issa gets to refresh his Obama smear campaign weekly, if not daily.

This is serious, you commie dolt --davebarnes, 2012.

by: Ralphie @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 19:57:11 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Trust me, Ralphie

I never had you pegged for an Issa fan! I guess time will tell if we get any miles out of Issa's questionable and fun for talking heads to dish about past or not. And if the fun stories get a refresh every time Issa hits his anti-Obama refresh. Any Dem message machine worth its salt should try to make it so.

by: BlueCat @ Wed Jan 19, 2011 at 00:29:47 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Whoever wants to keep this before the American public is going to have to commit to some seriously hard work.

You refer to "any Dem message machine worth its salt." There isn't one.

This is serious, you commie dolt --davebarnes, 2012.

by: Ralphie @ Wed Jan 19, 2011 at 02:24:40 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Can't argue there

But maybe the new reality will inspire something. Fingers crossed. This isn't really a disagreement.

by: BlueCat @ Wed Jan 19, 2011 at 16:12:10 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

@BC, I'm guessing it's the way he stole

that guy's company -- LB'll think that's a goodun.

Don't believe everything you think.
"Hes been stomping on him own dick." -- a leading conservative sage

by: Diogenesdemar @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 17:27:25 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Timely article in today's Washington Post

As many as 129 million Americans under age 65 have medical problems that are red flags for health insurers, according to an analysis that marks the government's first attempt to quantify the number of people at risk of being rejected by insurance companies or paying more for coverage.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/...

So let me see:

Half the population of the United States under 65 have ratable, or possibly rejectionable, pre-exisiting conditions -- Check.

The HCR provision against rejection (and rating in 2014) by insurers for pre-exisitng conditions is highly popular -- Check.

Insurers have already said that the only way that they are going to be able to meet the nonrejection/nonrating requirement is to have the entire population universe participating. (It's either that or a government run single-payer program.) -- Check.

I guess then, if you're a Republican you can only conclude that HCR repeal votes are going to win you lots and lots of support and admiration???? (Oh, oh, oh, . . . I know . . . let's call for vote repeal down every month from now until 2012. That's a goodun, huh?)

Don't believe everything you think.
"Hes been stomping on him own dick." -- a leading conservative sage

by: Diogenesdemar @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 18:41:24 PM UTC

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Opposition Withers?

Health Care Lobbying 2009
$545,207,341

More like opposition bought and paid for. Works out to about a $1 Million for all 535 members of congress. Total lobbying in 2009 was $3.48 Billion. Many gripe about campaign finance laws but if you divide the $3.48 Billion by the 320 million (?) US population it works out to about $10 each per year for every man, woman and child. I don't think there is an adequate word or expression that would adequately describe such irresponsible political engagement. You get what you pay for.

Lobbying 2009
Agribusiness $133,550,956
Communic/Electronics $360,507,691
Construction $65,490,445
Defense $136,633,762
Energy/Nat Resource $419,603,719
Finance/Insur/RealEst $467,566,818
Health $545,207,341
Lawyers & Lobbyists $34,566,238
Transportation $243,898,024
Misc Business $560,043,736
Labor $43,945,735
Ideology/Single-Issue $156,647,707
Other $252,108,372

http://www.opensecrets.org/lob...

"The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. "

John Kenneth Galbraith

1906

by: Mike Collins @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 18:59:59 PM UTC

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That ($43,945,735) must be the amount for just Little Labor

Where's the amount spent by that horrible, monolithic, dangerously over-funded Big Labor we keep hearing so much about?

...the water won't ever clear up until you get the hogs out of the creek...--Jim Hightower

by: GalapagoLarry @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 19:33:36 PM UTC

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A Paltry Amount...........

........and this ain't apples and oranges. It's more like a mom and pop shop vs Wal-Mart. Besides there is no "Big Labor" just a shrinking low wage middle class.

"The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. "

John Kenneth Galbraith

1906

by: Mike Collins @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 21:49:17 PM UTC

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Precisely my point. Thanks.

...the water won't ever clear up until you get the hogs out of the creek...--Jim Hightower

by: GalapagoLarry @ Wed Jan 19, 2011 at 21:04:15 PM UTC

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Just a thought...

...in this newly-found energy to rid our lives of some laws that appear to have "that Socialist Taint," will the Teapublicans and their Mainstream GOP masters be willing to include a repeal of the Medicare Prescription plan as well?

Just wondering what those hooting, screeching Teabaggers would do if they found out one of the programs THEY like were on the chopping block...

"Conservatism is the blind and fear-filled worship of dead radicals."
~Mark Twain

by: SSG_Dan @ Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 20:44:34 PM UTC

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Public Health Care Reform Opposition Withers | 65 comments