Then there are the times when two different surveys offer competing results. A recent USA Today/Gallup poll showed that 49 percent of Americans think its a good thing that Congress passed the health reform bill. Half described their reaction using positive words, such as enthusiastic or pleased, while about four in ten used negative words such as disappointed and angry. In fact, in that survey, 48 percent called the bill a good first step that should be followed by more action on health care.
However, a Bloomberg poll conducted around the same time by Selzer & Co. found that 50 percent opposed the measure Congress passed, and 39 percent were in favor.
Whats going on here? Are these studies talking to two different groups of Americans? Are Americans so fickle that they are changing their mind from one day to the next? Or is it simply possible for someone to think its a good thing that change has come, even if they dont necessarily support the package its come in?
Im inclined to think the latter. Many of the agents Ive spoken to have said that they recognize the need for health reform of some kind, theyre just not crazy about the details of the plan that passed. Still, theyre glad to see that some action has been taken Obamas plan, according to agents I speak with, can serve as a good jumping-off point. As more amendments come in over the next four years and beyond, the plan will get tweaked and modified, and will ultimately become something that we can all live with. Because of that, they are happy, in a way, that health reform is on the table.
What do you think? Is any reform good, so long as were talking about the issue? Or should the legislation be perfect the first time around? Comment below and let us know!
Heather Trese is the associate editor of the Agents Sales Journal.
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April 08, 2010 at 06:04 AM
