Support for health care legislation has steadily increased since early November, and now slightly more Americans (49 percent) would like their member of Congress to vote for the legislation compared to those preferring a vote against (46 percent).
The latest uptick in support was revealed in a Gallup survey taken last month. Poll questions, which asked about sentiment regarding passing health care reform "this year" remained the same, despite the advent of the new year. However, the altered timeframe of the question appears to have had little effect on the results, as support continued to increase between November and December.
Overall, supporters of the bill outnumbered detractors by a small margin, although the reverse is true among those who feel more strongly about their position. Responses to the poll's initial question, which gauged the sentiments of those who had made up their minds about the legislation, showed that 37 percent were in favor and 41 percent were opposed. In a follow-up question, when undecided respondents were pressed to reveal which way they were leaning, more reported favorable views of the bill than unfavorable.
Support for the bill remains largely dependent on a respondent's party affiliation, with more Democrats approving of the legislation. Republicans and a majority of independent voters continue to come out against the bill.
Furthermore, more women (54 percent) than men (42 percent) support legislation, while more nonwhites (67 percent) than whites (41 percent) are in favor. A majority of low-wage earners (63 percent) support reform, compared to middle- (44 percent) and upper-income Americans (45 percent). Age also factors into the debate, with those aged 18 to 34 (61 percent) favorable toward the bill, as opposed to those 35 to 54 (48 percent) and those over 55 (40 percent).
Because public opinion is so divided regarding the proposed health care legislation, neither the Republicans nor the Democrats can claim to be championing the public's will in the debate.
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