Eve of health care vote, pres. & Congress declining approval
Left: Clinic workers rally in support of Pres. Obama's historic health care reform package, urging congressional leaders to vote 'yes'. Right: Opponents of health care reform demonstrate against Obama's proposed health care legislation. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
On the eve of that historic health care vote - the American people are fed up with Washington.
A new Gallup poll shows President Obama with the worst job approval rating of his presidency. 46 percent approve of the job he's doing - while 48 percent disapprove.
As for Congress - Americans think even less of that bunch; only 16 approve - which is close to an all-time low - and a whopping 80 percent disapprove.
And, There are more signs that incumbents better watch their backs come November.
A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll asks: If there were a line on the ballot that would let you vote out every single member of Congress - including your own representative - would you do it? Half of the people surveyed say "yes."
As a piece in the Journal suggests: "Congress always looks worst when it's in the middle of making the sausage known as legislation... By contrast, lawmakers usually look better when the sausage is finished, packaged and displayed on the store shelf."
What's unclear is whether the American people will look more favorably on the president and Congress if - and it's still a big "if" - they can make the sausage, also known as health care reform.
Democratic Congressman Tom Perriello of Virginia summed up the way a lot of people feel about our lawmakers when he put it this way: "If you don't tie our hands, we will keep stealing." He was talking about how the only way for Congress to be fiscally responsible is to give them no choice.
Here’s my question to you: What does it say that on the eve of the health care vote, President Obama's approval rating in one poll is the lowest ever and Congress' approval rating is nearing an all-time low?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Dave writes:
Simple, Jack. No one likes how they are going about this business. It is the exact thing Obama said he was against and would not do if he were elected. They should listen to the people and stop thinking that they know what's best for us and work on a true bi-partisan bill for reform that isn't just one-sided. I'm scared to death.
C. in Louisiana writes:
Polls, polls, polls. I haven't been polled and I haven't changed my mind about this president or health care. I believe it's the right thing to do and we can't begin to address our deficit until we do something about ballooning health care costs. I also voted for Obama and I am not sorry; I still support the platform he ran and was elected on.
J.C. in Sacramento, California writes:
30 million uninsured represents 1/10 of the population. However the bigger issue facing 90% of the population is the escalating cost of health care, which this bill does nothing to address.
David in Orlando, Florida writes:
Health care reform is no longer about WE THE PEOPLE. Democrats and Republicans are at WAR with each other. We the people have been locked out of this fight. But we will be required to clean up the mess.
Tim in Toledo, Ohio writes:
I think the public is afraid of a bill that is so blatantly free of bipartisanship. The fact that the Democratic Party is going to force it through anyway screams of arrogance. It more or less sends the message that "we are right, regardless of what anyone else thinks". That type of attitude generally is not well-received. When Obama was elected, I truly believed he would be a two-term president. Now I'm certain that he will be removed after 4 years.
Duane in St. Petersburg, Florida writes:
We don't want this bill to become law and no one is listening. Not Obama and not the Congress. Hurry up, November!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
They'd better get this less-then-perfect-but-better-than-nothing bill passed on Sunday OR ELSE! Otherwise, they've just been wasting the last year picking our pockets for their outrageous salaries – all the while enjoying government funded health care!
Susan
Tuscaloosa AL
I don't know which way the vote will go but if Americans are so fed up let's see if it shows come the next election.
It says that a revolution is coming, and soon. So many discontented people are impoverished, sick, homeless, in debt, hurting - hopeless - completely disillusioned with the system we have. If this government does not do something to alleviate this unconscionable situation, then this government will not stand another decade.
I'm not all that smart....after all I AM an American....but I would say that those polls suggest that these folks are not very popular.
It means that everyone has spring fever, Jack. No one cares about
polls anymore. Its balmy and 66 here in Michigan.
The only thing Americans love more than complaining about what's broken is complaining about the people who try to fix it.
The ratings will go up Jack after Sunday's yes vote on the health care
reform. President Obama will have then proven to have a backbone.
It means that the electorate is paying attention.
What does it say? It says, "We're mad as hell"....and I don't think we're going to have a short memory.
Republicans print money we don't have for War
Democrats print money we don't have for Social Programs
Choose your poison....
Jack,
It means nothing. Somehow people have forgotten the unbelievably pathetic President we had for 8 years before President Obama. It's quite amazing that so many people can be so confused about what is happening in our country – the sky isn't falling!
What does it mean?
It means that all the money that insurance companies have received from raising premiums has been "well spent" on lobbyists and fear-mongers.
its sad news for the country that health care took took up the time needed to put the country back to work. the delay was way too costly
I could care less about approval ratings....let's just get this health care bill signed and move on to other things....like ending wars, fixing our infrastructure, creating jobs and taxing churches....yes TAXING churches.
Don Benson
Bedminster, Pa
Jack,
It says that the progressives in this country have no patience, the conservatives refuse to compromise on anything that doesn't fit perfectly into their ideals, and the apathetic are still apathetic.
...it also says that unless this country as a whole learns how to play nice soon, we're in for even worse news.
It says that most Americans are idiots.
This president is following up on one of his campaign promises, and now everybody hates him for it? Come on.
The American people have been asleep at the switch voting for the R or the D, blindly following our representatives and when the housing market collapsed we woke up and realized that our Government has taken us way off course and now we are in a land that we don't recognize anymore.
Jack, I'm old but not old enough to remember what the climate was during the passage of social security but I am old enough to remember President Johnson's civil rights agenda and it was a rather toxic time and I've heard it was ugly during the battle for social security. Today, people are angrier and with the internet people have more of an outlet for the anger so, I think Americans are just being Americans.
each time obama move closer on any thing good you come out with some stupid poll
It is interesting that currently 46 percent of Americans approve of President Obama, because I heard the Republican congressman on CNN this morning who loudly acclaimed that not one single American thinks the health care reform bill will be good financially. Where do the Republicans get their numbers from?
Fear and lies. Is that all you have?
we don't want this bill to become law...and NO one is listening.....not Obama and not the congress.....hurry up November!
Obama is still overwhelmingly popular among Democrats. Congress on the otherhand has become so bitterly partison and corrupt that almost all Americans give them low marks.
I'm sure ppl are not pleased in seeing the prez. abondaning bipartisanship and using other loopholes in constituion to push his agenda. Same with the congress. Furthermore the prez. should put more effort in bringing back the jobs from China & India. That will create more jobs and ppl will get insured, less job loss.
It is simple. The American public does NOT approve of what the President and his Congressional co-horts are doing. They are ramming a health-care package down the throats of Americans who obviously do NOT want it.
They have approached the threshhold of getting voted out. If they pass this terrible bill, they WILL be voted out.
Instead of preserving our country, our Government is destroying it.
Not only should they be evicted , they should be prosecuted for gross negligence and conspiracy to destroy the greatest nation on Earth.
Global warming pales by comparison.
With any luck, it says we will no longer have a two party system come November..
It says that nothing's changed. About half the country (46%) approves, while about half (48%) disapproves. How is that new? As for Congress, have the American people ever approved of the job they were doing? I doubt it.
The economy is rough, Jack. Times are tough. People "expect" the govt. to solve problems like jobs IMMEDIATELY, and when Congress doesn't "create" those jobs, someone has to take the fall. I predicted in the seventies it would not be possible to sustain an economy wherein both husband and wife worked full time at the same time.
A vote for Obama's "health care" is a vote for socialism a la maniere francaise.
Unlike France, the United States is not yet ready for socialism. (For that matter, neither is France.)
Because the health care bill, even with the changes, includes neither a single payer nor a public option, between the two of which is what most Americans want.
Jack, why bring this up now? Quote the polls next week after this HC Reform bill passes.. most Americans want health care reform desperately and the polls today only reflect a lack of faith in the Democrats and in Congress in general, not Obama.
Democratic Congressman Tom Perriello of Virginia summed up the way a lot of people feel about our lawmakers when he put it this way: "If you don't tie our hands, we will keep stealing."
This is why we need to repeal the 16th Amendment and start executing corrupt politicians.
What does it say you ask? It says that Obama has proved himself to be everything he proclaimed he wasn't and that congress is just as corrupt and ineffectual (if not more) in demcorat hands as it was in republican.
Ron/So.Cal
What it means is simple. Congress is out of touch and seems to think they are omniscient and President Obama has been shown for what he really is – a socialist Chicago-thug politician.
Congress would have a year long debate how the word "Caribbean" should be pronounced.
The stench eminating from Washington that we're sensing up here in Pennsylvania is worse than that of the Blue Plains Sewage Treatment Plant south of Washington's Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on a warm August day. They should just bulldoze the whole Capital City into the Potomac River and let the states legislate for themselves.
Ted
The obvious answer is the lack of progress due to a complete unwillingness of Republicans to compromise on anything. The shame is that the Democrats are being tarred with the same feather, when they actually worked with Republicans to pass their legislation during the Bush administration. It's a serious case of poor sportsmanship by the GOP!
It means that Congress is led by people for whom ideology is more important than the wishes of the constituents they are elected to represent, and comprised of members for whom politics trump principle. It means that the American people are smart enough to understand this.
Jeff in Arcadia, California
Jack,
It's physical proof that the American people don't like this bill. The president has not delivered on his promises of "Change" and it's time that he starts admitting it. As for the Democratic Congress, well we all know it's time for change.
Jack, the President's ratings have deliberately been driven down by the Grand Obstructionist Party, led by Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck, who want this administration to fail no matter what the long- or short-term costs to our Nation. They have no plan except to work for failure on every issue, large or small. They are incapable of giving credit where credit is due, unless the idea has been vetted and approved by the GOP. This is a flagrant attempt at minority party rule.
It says that Washington is completely out of touch – they ALL need to go away! We all know that our health care system is broken – but, the present legislation will not fix it.
i am all for health care reform... but as dennis kucinich said, our health and our awareness first has to start with the individual. also, people eating and having jobs to be able to support themselves is a human right as well. it seems we are dealing with a human right crisis like we never have before. id take tenneman square any day over this mess of unemployement, no money, and lack of viable heath care.
It means that The People feel they aren't being listened to. "Hope and Change" should not mean "'Change' everything and then 'hope' it works"
Our country needs to follow the rest of the civilized world and take care of the citizens, The whole problem with our system is the attitude by the law makers of this country of worrying soley about keeping their positions for as long as they feel they can.
It is a long way to November and just llike we have stopped talking about Haiti...we will soon forget this brewhaha as soon as it is out of the media.
It is a long time to November, many things can, and will, happen between now and then to affect and reflect on the president's performance.
As for congress, I think they should worry, this constant bickering is causing disgust for most thinking Americans.
It indicates to me that President Obama is doing what he believes is right even though it is not politically popular (or at least no politically safe).
Jack
My crystal balls indicate that if this healthcare reform passes the greedy people who voted for or against should be voted out of office for failure to perform the peoples work. The elected body has effectively wasted an entire year arguing mostly special interest. The countless pages of the legislation is evidence it isn't for the taxpayers interest. nor could it be described as reform.
For or against vote them all out and replaced for intelligent legislators who can agree. It's not that tough if your ambition is for the common good.......
I sure hope it means the American people realize this health care bill is a trillion dollar failure that will severely damage the quality of health care and specialist doctors in our country. I hope it means that people realize Obama is nothing more than your typical politician who will say anything to gain the American people's respect and support, only to let every down by spending without a plan to address skyrocketing national debt. This bill was supposed to "change" health care for the better and allow Obama's administration to actually reduce the national debt over an extended period. The bill outright fails in that regard and, if allowed to pass, will only further the American people's cynicism and disapproval of our federal government.
This stuff is a lot of nonsense. If we hate Congress so much why are 98% of all incumbents seeking re-election returned to office? Of course we hate Congress, 434 out of 435 representatives are not looking out for our interests, they are trying to shovel our tax dollars into their districts. Ditto for 98 out of 100 Senators.
Add onto that bad economic times and people get mad. But they don't really know what they are mad about.
It's pretty simple. No matter what Congress or the President do on any issue, they will alienate half of their constituencies. We're such a deeply divided country, often with no small contribution from demagogues who feel that if they don't like the facts they can make up their own (tune into almost any show on Fox "News" for a case in point). There are enough weak-minded people who abdicate their thinking to these idiots and the result is exactly what you see.
Whatever happened to intelligent inquiry and forming your own opinion? Guess it went away about the same time as funding for public education did. We reap what we sow–one more debt we owe to the "Gipper" who started this country on the road to ruin thirty years ago.
Because we have a President who only cared about being in the record books as the first African American to be elected President. Notice when he took office he made all these promises. Sure Republicans have held him up, but his cannot blame them for all of his failures. He has turned his back on many main Democrat constituencies (i.e. LGBT and Teachers), stabbing them in the back has he did so.
As for Congress, they are merely too frightened to use that majority that the American people gave them. They had a clear mandate from the people who handed them majorities in both houses. They need to grow a collective spine and start passing laws. If Republicans hold them up, quit blaming them and work around them.
Lansing, Michigan
It used to be said that the "Press" was the fourth branch of government. The "press" is now a multitude of loud voices shouting over each other on Cable TV, and it has now become the only branch anyone pays attention to. Obama was elected on a tide of giddiness over the novelty of his candidacy. Now that the "Press" has gotten over its wet dream, and Obama has turned out not to be that bad after all, the "press" has nevertheless turned away from him because it generates more viewership to report drama and conflict than to report about policy.
Why did we abandon Democracy, and the future of our nation, to the "Press"?
It tells me that for all his intellect, President Obama isn't a leader. To him concensus is more important that outcome, and that he'd rather be seen as bi-partisan than as a hard nosed leader. As to Congress, the American People are finally beginning to see how they have been bought and paid for by special interests; how they are more concerned about re-election than serving the people; and how its all about the sound bite. Probably best to throw them all out and vote in some members who will respond to the real needs of the public.
lloyd Johnson
Midlothian, VA
arguments in favor of the health care bill are ridiculous. first, it is supposed to "reduce" the deficit. since it will add millions of people to the government rolls, it will increase rather than lower the deficit. then, there are the enormous tax increases to pay for this. the economy will be depressed and the millions without jobs may never be employed again or be out of work a significantly longer time. then, services for the elders who worked their whole lives with a promise of social security and medicare, will see their benefits and the care available to them cut back. one can go on and on. but this is a fraud pure and simple.
The US congress and the president are arrogant and do not pay attention to the will of the people; have we lost democracy in this country?
Maybe it's just my age, but when the "Sainted" Pres. Ronald Regean said. "Government is the problem" and the GOP took it as a mantra, the polls went down hill. Why would you run for a government job if you only bad mouth govenment?
Are you kidding me Jack, Lies, deceit, deals... has our government ever had any program or policy that was on budget or was not full of corruption! Vietnam war, War on terrorism, war on drugs, War on health reform! A prescription will still cost hundreds so someone!
It seems very clear that the Majority, certainly those up for re-election this year, do not have the courage to stand for what is right . That includes the Party of NO which is also clearly manipulated, hell controlled by a single entity. This combination coupled with enormous financial pressure from special interest groups has Congress frightened, at least seemingly so, to do anything but pass "no risk" legislation. Our troops exhibit outstanding courage while our political leaders have none. Term limits are badly needed. We must eliminate the Professional Politician before their self interest turns this blessed country into a banana republic.
What it says to me is that discord has become big business and that the unprecedented amount of information we now have available has highlighted a political process very different from the carefully crafted image previous generations bought into.
The public is frustrated, jaded, is more aware of what is going on AND is more aware of history, and we never see things getting better. Even the alternatives that keep trying to position themselves are more of the same.
What it says is that Republican negativity is working. If the same lie is told often enough, people begin to believe it. What is most fascinating to me is the few Democrats who say they won't support the bill. What are they thinking? They seem willing to sink Obama's presidency and for what? So they can keep their job in November? If health care doesn't pass, watch Congressional approval ratings sink even lower. And Democrats can kiss thier jobs goodbye.
I believe I speak for a lot of middle class citizens. We pay high taxes, we work for meduim wages, we pay for you own health care and we work extremely hard for what we have. I worked while I went through chemo for breast cancer. I would like to see every member of congress dismissed, because the jobs given to new people, would be appreciated. They know they will be watched for unethical procedures and we can start brand new tough policies. If they steal, not only are they kicked out of office, they will lose their pension plans. Kick them where it hurtsThat is what they are doing to us. The greedy fat cats that get caught now, lose a little money. If their politicians, they may have to step down. But they still have pension plans that will let them ease through life. I believe the honest people are the only ones who should be intitled to this.
How in the world can Blagojevich get kicked out of office and then paid to be on television? Until our country is run by people who act like our origianl founders acted, we will continue to worsen. There were actually politicians that gave up their home lives and ended up giving their lives for making sure we became the United States of America. This country was made with politicians using the word of God in their declarations, the language spoken was English and people who don't like this should get up and leave. Who's the parent here? It certainly is not the government that we have now.
People seem to worry about the effect of health care on the federal debt. Dont they realize the debt is a result of the previous Administration and the 2 wars we cannot win or get out of, and the lack of oversight by Congress that alowed the housing and bank disaster. We will be paying for at east 20 years the debt created by the 2 wars and the lack of jobs created when Corporations moved them overseas..
Is it not time to do something for our citizens?
Jack, it says the same thing it has been saying for months. It says the American people do not want this Obamacare bill passed and it says the Congress and the President do not care what the people want, they are getting Obamacare. Never mind that it doesn't "fix" health care, it just extends a broken system to include more welfare people on the backs of working Americans. The only people cheering this ripoff are the ones on welfare, everyone else WILL pay for this!!
Simple, it says the people don't want this bill passed. If it does then the Dems are out in 2010, probably 2012 and further and we will have to work to repeal this piece of junk
It tells me that people don't want legislation forced on them. Especially when it's bad legislation that increases taxes, costs to much, and doesnt do the job. Health Care has been an issue for decades. It doesnt need to be fixed during, according to Obama, "the worst economic crisis since the great depression". People are starting to figure out the the President is just another politicion, not the person he advertised during the campaign. I won't vote for him again.
This administration isn't listening at all, if at least half the population pretty much screams that they have serious concerns with the bill, how can you with a good conscience move forward without adressing those concerns, giving all details in that regard? We all agree that reform needs to take place but not at any cost for the sake of saying that we passed a legislation. Also the rush to push this is very suspicious to me as if all the parameters have been covered and they were not. Here is an idea, give a picture of what healthcare looks like now, give us a picture of what your suggestions are to make it better from all political sides, let the people decide based on those facts.Makes you wonder what advise the commander in chief gets in the oval office
If the president solve any issue this way, they all heading for trouble coming November in DC.
Jack,
Polls show the American people don't want the health care reform that is being shoved down our throats. We are sick and tired of a federal government that thinks they know best and do their own will rather than the will of the people. It's time for the American people to clean house and nip tyrany in the bud.
Its seems evident that the Congress cares little about the financial health of our nation. They refuse to step up to the plate and tell the truth about our future if we cannot control spending.
Jon Jacques
Honolulu, HI
It says that you shouldn't promise things that you can't deliver on.
It means that curtain has lifted and people are seeing who Obama is, a Marxist that hates the foundation that this country was build on.
3 years has gone since the begins of the Presidential elections and all media has failed to ask this man, what did he mean when he said “we are few days away from fundamentally transforming this country”.
On the eve of the largest step toward the ultimate goal of bringing America to its knees I wish that people
Wake up and realize that we are losing our country as we know it.
It is still time to stop the bill people.
It's embarrassing to be an American. I'm sorry but Republicans are like children. Historically, Reps and Dems have voted across the line without blinking an eye. I sometimes wonder if they go to a treehouse in Washington that say Rep Clubhouse, no girls or blacks allowed.
This country is so bigoted it makes me sick. Why won't someone talk about the elephant in the room
The approval rating of our president is based on peoples approval of this bill. If you have decent coverage you are against this bill. If you have no coverage you are for the bill plan and simple.
Congresses approval ratings are based on the smear campaign organized by conservatives so people think all congressman are lying because everone is saying something different about the bill.
The truth is the far left does not like this bill and the far right doesn't like this bill. By definition the bill has to be somewhere in the middle. If only party politics weren't in the way this would be done a long time ago.
The approval rating will be better after november and people figure out what this means for them and their neighbors. There has been so much republican and insurance company mis-information that those who are unsophiticated enough to go read the bill for themselves, and understand what they have read, are scared because of the republican noise machine that tells lies every 2 seconds about the bill. Yes there are some things in it I don't like but at least it is a start in the right direction. I personnally would prefer a single payer system because that would be the most cost effective model to use. Insurance companies be damned with their eye to profits and not to the health and welfare of their customers. AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED THEY DON'T NEED TO EXIST.
LINDA MEYER JANESVILLE WI
Here's my take on the situation. I think people are disappointed that President Obama doesn't seem to be able to control (or reason with) Congress so that the interests of the American people can be served. It serves no one's interest when they simply vote their party line and don't listen to anyone but their peers. If we can't break this pattern – we need to throw them all out and start over. Just like the Republicans wanted to do with health care reform.
It says very clearly that the legal citizens of America are extremely angry with this president & congress for:
Lack of jobs; steriod spending with no results; continued "win at any cost' by congress; lack of any immigration reform; medicare & other progam frauds in the billions of dollars; etc.,etc. etc.
'We the people' REALLY need to show our distaste with this congress in the voting booth.
David, Las Vegas
The American people are trying to tell Washington that they are not working on bills for what the common man wants. Health care reform is not important when you don't have a job or are living paycheck to paycheck. They keep passing bills that cost more taxes, that try to control us more and don't listen to what we are saying. They only worry about their "legacys".
At the rate they are going, they all will be voted out in Nov.
Jack, the President's ratings have deliberately been driven down by the Grand Obstructionist Party, led by Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck, who want this administration to fail no matter what the long- or short-term costs to our Nation. They have no plan except to work for failure on every issue, large or small. They are incapable of giving credit where credit is due, unless the idea has been vetted and approved by the GOP. This is a flagrant attempt at minority party rule.
The poisoning of the political dialog by conservative extremist talk radio has become self-fulfilling. Lawmakers can no longer take positions that are right, but that are opposed by the fringe of the GOP without consequences far out stripping the proportional weight of the fringe-base. As Gingrich said on CSPAN, repeat the message over and over ..... and over and over, and eventually it will take root. And I add: No matter whether the message is true or false.
The entire process of legislating comprehensive health care reform has been one of total incompetence. It is amazing that a president which generally is so articulate, could not present a clear case for the reforms. Having outsourced it to two of the least charismatic members of congress, Pelosi and Reid was a monumental
error.
So now we are left with a bill that the American people clearly do not understand and not only that, they distrust. While all of the "leaders" are obsessed with this, the people are losing jobs and the country is losing confidence. Nero would had been proud of Mr. Obama
Since I wasn't polled and my opinion is the only one that counts, it says nothing. Go Health Care!!!
Hi Jack,
It says that well-lubed "special interest groups" have had a formidable campaign disseminating falsehoods to the tune of $1 million a day. Not only have they effectively confused the electorate but further entrenched partisan politics where neither side is capable of rational decision making. As a small business owner specializing in employee benefits for the past 29 years, I find it deplorable and shameful. We all need to take personal responsibility for our actions.
Damariscotta, Maine
Because they are actually doing something while the GOP creates a scare campaign. He could have reduced taxes for everyone, and started a farm & all would be well. History has shown us it is hard to introduce change & will continue to be.
What most people are not talking about is the fact that root of the issue is he does not care about approval ratings or what the population wants. He and the other Democrats are fully under the delusion that they know what is best for America and will do anything to get the changes in place. He is not concerned if he is a 1 term president as long as he gets the far lefts bidding done or at least plants the poison in his first term.
Janet
It show that the powers that be, will do anything to reduce their loss or power controls like the energy corps., prescription corps.,insurance corps, weapons corps. etc... Consumer tax-no irs or greatly reduced ,campaign finance, fixed amount 50,000,000. etc..,and borders secure, with walls and people illegally need to pay to be here including ins. taxes etc while they start process . Babies not legal until they are . Then let the chips fall as they may . Oh yea term limits!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It means people are smart enough to figure out that they are not represented in Washington. They know that this country has been on a discructive path for quite some time now. It really has not mattered who has been in power. Special interests have been holding the real power. The one thing the people have left is the vote. The choices may not always be the best, but we can at least keep it expensive for the lobbiests by changing out the personel in Washington every two years.
It appears that Congress no longer represents the American people. It is government for the people, by the people, and of the people. Unfortunately, Congress seems to think that the people means only those sitting in the House and Senate.
Jack, It only shows people's frustration with the government's ability to take action. In their campaigns, these people brow beat us about all the things they are going to make happen, but for the past 2 years we have heard nothing but how important health care is with no action, much less any real ability to communicate to the people exactly what needs to be done. Real leaders are able to make complicated issues understandable to the layman. These guys and gals appear to not even understand the issue themselves, much less have the ability to translate it into meaningful terms. It's time for a new team. President Obama is beginning to look more like Jim Zorn than FDR. (I supported Zorn too!)
The poll results mean that ....the constant barrage of lies and mis-information manufactured and spread by the Republican Party, right wing talk radio and Fox News over the past 15 months have been very successful in angering and confusing the incredibly politically ignorant American masses.
Where in the hell were these angry idiot voters during the eight years preceding the Obama administration?
The one thing this really shows is that when the American people actually focus some of their attention to what Washington does, that we don't like it. People in both parties don't like the deals, don't like the spin and mostly they don't like that our politicians are more concerned about re-election than they are about representing their district.
The reason Washington is broken is because the people we send there have a vested interest in not fixing it.
Easy... America is a right-center country and Americans who have to pay taxes and take personal responsibility for themselves are disgusted by the Loony Left Congress and a Socialist President. The Left can only be in charge for a year or two and then the adults have to be put back in charge to try and fix the damage. Individual liberty and personal responsibility is what made this country great, not Socialism and reliance on government. The American people have awaken to the true aspirations of these politicians and unions who want to take control away from the People. November will truly be an EPIC event.
It's simple. The people are not getting what they thought they were getting.
This is the proverbial straw that broke the camels back. After the financial debacle, and the bailout to companies who give bonuses to people who bankrupt companies, we have the health care bill. How much "reforming" is there? What is the price and who is going to pay? Looking at socialized medicine, it's rationed. Who's going to decided who lives and dies – because that's the bottom line. We need reform, that's no doubt. But just look at the VA, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Do you really think Congress can get this right???
It says that Obama sold his lemming followers a bill of goods. The economy is in the tank, unemployment is through the roof, and the President and the Congress are on the verge of passing the largest entitlement package in the history of the United States without
bi-partisan efforts. And after this, they are going to address illegal immigration and cap and trade? Give me a break. They all deserve to be run out of town..
People are looking for a scapegoat. Yes things are bad right now, but no, our current congress (or President, for that matter) did not put us there. Trying to sort through one of the worst economic times in our country's history is not a job with an "easy" button. People need to remember why we are in this mess, and iit isn't because of politicians with "D"s in front of their names.
It means they are not paying any attention to the American people. If they are listening then they just don't care. SO they are either ignorant to their constituents wishes or they think only THEY know what is good for us. Either way, they don't deserve to represent the American people.
Obama's approval rating will go up after the health reform bill is passed. Most people want health insurance reform and become disillussioned when the public option was dropped. As for the Party of No, they pretend to be Pro-life and when it comes to doing the little things that will save life, they disappear. What a hypocrisy!
Why do the democrats think that it is the job of government to take care of everyone and that it is okay for government to take from those citizens who work their tails offs and give it to those that sit on their tails. This country was built on hard work and the only way that this country will continue to exist is by rewarding those that work hard.
Healthcare is not a right nor a civil liberty....nor should welfare or any other government handout program.
I think the republicans are crazy as well...but for different reasons.
We need to go back to the basics of:
small federal government
low federal taxes
strong military
Stop funding other countries.
Can...one person tell me why government (really those that pay the lions share of taxes) should pay for a persons healthcare?
It means Obama will be the lamest duck president this country has ever seen. I should not be forced by my government that I voted for to buy insurance or face a substancial fine if i don't because I just lost my job. Honestly jack, how in the name of common sense can they shove this piece of crap down our throats and then sleep at night knowing the chaos they're about to create?
We are the last industrialized nation not to have universal health care delivery. We must do something but the way this was handled baffles me. I spent my career in health care and I do not know what's going on.
Millions of us are long-term unemployed. For a year and a half now Obama has shown a serious flaw in judgment in putting healthcare first when there is a much more critical problem to address like JOBS!
After wasting the first stimulus, a bill that the Democrats couldn't even bother to read, we are again asking ourselves where are the jobs?
What about all the millions of long-term unemployed that have already run out of benefits, some for weeks now, and have scrolled off the books. Congress has turned a deaf ear and ignores the millions of calls, emails, and faxes. What are we just supposed to disappear? Are we America's dirty little secret?
This administration’s interest is only to get healthcare passed. It does not matter to them that most Americans do not want it passed. It does not matter what the bill contains, just that it passes so Obama can have bragging rights to save him in the next election.
That is all they care about. Well there are millions of us and we each have a vote. VOTE ALL INCUMBENTS OUT! Every chance you get VOTE THEM OUT!
I think America is fed up with compromise. We don't want a half-baked anything, especially a health care package that—in this sour economy—will achieve only some of the goals it set out to do. It has too many controversial aspects, what with subsidizing the poor, taxing those who won't buy into it, the abortion issue, and on and on.
And we have the people in Washington who waffle over all this. Indecision is not motivating the public. Obama comes off as a preacher in the midst of it.
I think America expected an FDR. But instead we may get another Carter.
I think half the angry people are annoyed the prospect of the Health Care Reforms and don't want it. The other half of the angry folks are annoyed that it hasn't been passed yet. Combined with the childish bickering and political manuevering of both sides it is no wonder that so many folks are unhappy with Congress.
It says that this president is having a vote for an item of legislature that mostly HE ONLY is in favor of. Now if that does sound more like a dictator than a president, than just what should Obama's title be?
What it indicates what happens when you take on corporate America, with its unlimited financial resources to campaign against you. What it further indicates is that with the Supreme Court's dreadful decision that corporations may now spend as much as they want to sway elections, that we can look forward to a lot more of the same. And finally, what it indicates is that the very corporate policies that have brought this country to the verge of the next Great Depression continue to be rewarded.
What it says is that Americans are tired of politics that are all show and no substance. The President has shown that he can talk a good talk, but still can't walk the walk. Congress, well they are just a bunch of posturing buffoons who are led by two of the weakest congressional leaders ever (Pelosi, Reid). If Lewis and Clark were replaced by Pelosi and Reid, the expedition would probably be wandering around in Brazil now.
Regardless of the issues the American people do not like to see the Administration playing fast & loose with the Constitution trying to ram a major and unpopular piece of legislation through with what is perceived as trickery.
What it says is that people are fed up with a Congress that seems to exist in a void unto itself. The left clearly realizes they will be losing a large number of seats in the House and several seats in the Senate, so they are trying to push through all kinds of legislation they think we should want (next up....immigration, a real nail in their coffin if passed.) I think Obama's low numbers are a residual effect of Congress's low numbers. Even if health care passes, I suspect both numbers will continue to go down.
The country has entered a dangerous phase were the lawmakers are ignoring the wishes of the people. A majority of people do not want this health care bill but do want changes. We are in a downward spiral of debt etc.... a people realize we are wrecking our future. Change is better when you fix a problem but not changing what works. This plan changes everyone's care over time. Many people are becoming aware of the bribes, phony accounting and down and out lies when it comes to gov't bills. When the lawmakers become detached from the majority (and this does not mean the minority should be protected) it sets the stage for a revolution.
It says that there are still a lot of people out there who are clueless if they still appove of the job being done in washington
It means people understand that with this health care bill, Democrats are declaring war on the middle class. We know who will pay the bill for all the rubber checks they're writing.
Brian F. (Woodbury, Minnesota)
The poll numbers reflect a lack of achievement on any of the major mandates from the last election – an abysmal performance by any standard!
Congresses rating is particularly bad because of the members idealogical intransigence on just about every issue ... Stupak and Boehner are two classic examples that come to mind.
What does it say Jack?...... Time to go!
Nashville, TN
The President's approval is lower because of his lack of getting things accomplished as quickly as the Citizens desire.
The affects of the "DO NOTHING" Congress has hurt him to a small degree.
The apperance/ perception that Congressment are bought and owned by the Lobbyist and have no regards except their own empire building has tainted the entire country.
I am a lifelong Democrat however I am voting against ALL incumbants regardless of their party affilation.
We need to return to Citizen servants. Not Attorneys, Bankers and professional politicians who mistake themselves as Royalty.
Why are there so many healthcare workers (nurses,respiratory therapist etc.) whom are the meat and potatoes of Healthcare in America FOR this bill? Shouldn't we be somewhat listening to the men and women on the forefront of healthcare who want this bill to pass? Yet many people who are not privy on healthcare institutions or clinics are still against it,maybe its time for some education and not just what CERTAIN TV stations/ special interest groups are trying to feed down our throats.
typo (and this does not mean the minority should not be protected) – why not focus on fixing the 30 million without insurance by paying down the debt and using the interest saved (500 billion a year) to provide extra care etc...
The polls indicate that the people want the President and congress to do what we sent them to Washington to do, reform health care and stop beating around the bush.
I think we are all tired of trying to appease the Republicans. They do not now or will ever want to work in a bipartisan way. I they can not get their way their mantra is to scrap it and start over. Why don't you ask the Republicans why they did nothing for the eight years before the Dems got control.
All I hear from the blabbering Right is stupid talking points and no real plans (other than to be contrarians). Whenever the Dems include the Republican ideas they immediatly turn against them and look for some new excuse to drag their feet.
The propoganda is getting thicker every day. When I listen to CNN now I feel like I am watchinf Fox News. Did you guys merge?
We should consider resorting to something like the Base Closings Commission for all major legislation. Have an independent, knowledgeable, commission propose legislation that is in the best, lone term, interests of the country and let the Congress, and the President, overturn it if they feel there is a valid basis for doing so. Congress won't act on it, because they, apparently, are too disfunctional to do so, and the President will be held accountable in the next election.
Well, approval ratings depend on who you talk to. The GOP has waged a full-scale assault on Obama personally and professionally, most of the time with little factual basis. Factor in the the most powerful PR firm known to man – Fox News – and it's no surprise his numbers are low. Bush was the worst President in U.S. History, but you'd think he was the second coming of Thomas Jefferson the way he is loved by the GOP. Until the Dems find a way to combat the GOP media bias, they, along with the rest of the county, will continue to lose.
The Democratic and Republican parties pose a greater danger to the national security of the United States than any foreign enemy.
Jack do you really need to ask this question? Duh!!! 67% of Americans do not want this damn obamacare! I can't wait to vote out the damn dems!
To me it means that the President and ALL of Congress wasted more than a full year on an issue that is not an issue at all. Instead of focusing on the economy and putting people back to work, the President decided to ignore how bad we need jobs so we can put food back on the table. In my electoral opinion, I got suckered by a candidate that I thought was going to work for me. Instead he ended up working against me.
I believe the approval ratings say more about the average intellectual competency of Americans and the distorted news that they attempt to assimilate. How do you judge the fruits of others when you don't even know what a tree is? I know few individuals who understand our constitutional processes and how a bill becomes law, much less what is in it. Jefferson and Adams knew well the dangers of an illiterate and uninformed citizenry.
It means most people don't like this legislation and the way the President and Congress are running the country. Its that simple.
Jack, it says that Congress and the Executive Branch are not listening to the People. And the People are upset that nothing is being changed or getting accomplished because Congress insist on directing all of their attention to the Health Care debate. If there is so much in this Bill that people are upset about then send it back to a bi-partisan committee to get it right.
Jack
Every Mid-term election there is this discussion about throwing the incumbent bums out of office and each mid-term the American people vote one party out and another in. What is the point? What was achieved? Instead of focusing on a particular party, Americans should make informed decisions that are based on information that is factually based . Information that they have researched on their own and is not the product of some partisan political ad on TV or Radio which is financed by a special interest group or lobbyist. This mess with Health Care Reform is not about making sausage when you have an entire party vote against every aspect of a 2000 page bill. I refuse to believe that there wasn't one Republican that agreed with many of the provisions in this proposed Bill, just as I don't believe that not one Republican saw the need for a Stimulus Bill. This is mere politics and a blatantly offensive move to regain power. The interest of the American people is subordinate to self interest and power. An informed decision for this November would be if over 125 people voted against a proposed piece of legislation and refused to collaborate or compromise or negotiate, then that block of people need to be voted out of office and replaced with someone of either party that will place the interest of the American people before their own.
This is just flat out racism on the Republican side. Why do you think that the left is trying so hard to fight health care. Before is would make President Obama as one the great Presdent because he was able to pass health care. I have never in all my life seen another party disrespect the President on the United States like the Republicans are doing now. Their really making the United States look realy bad.
I keep hearing politicians and media folk say that to most Americans procedure does not matter, that only the outcome matters. 5 years ago before youtube, constant cable news and other on the spot media outlets that may have been true because we did not know what the procedures were. But now we do. AND WE DON'T LIKE IT. I think the decline is because we feel duped, lied to and taken advantage of. Obama promised us change we could believe in but we get to see first hand 24/7 that he, Pelosi and Reid are no different than the rest. You may call it sauage making, most of us call it bribery, arm twisting and hubris.
Some people are scared, some are confused, and others are downright selfish. There's just so many issues out there that need immediate attention. So how do you proritize the needs of the people and country when everything seems to be at emergency stage? How long are we to have patience? We're all in the dark trying to shed light in a generation that has no patience for slow progress.
I don't understand all that this Healthcare bill will or will not provide, but we must start somewhere. And to say let's trash it or put it on hold is another way of saying we don't want everyone to have healthcare. We're going to pay for it one way or the other. We'll pay a billion plus today or a zillion plus tomorrow. The bill may not be perfect but it is a starting point – it can always be refined to suit the needs of the people.
Further if we (the people) can provide health care for the Presidents, Senates and Congress. Certainly, we can figure out how to provide healthcare for those that do not have it.
Jack,
It is too radical a change. It would have been more palitable in smaller chunks. Put politicians think too much of then selves to care what the people want. The funny thing is both sides are saying the public is behind then, maybe that is why this stinks.
Jack, does anyone really not know WHY approval ratings are so low? Major legislation is being enacted so that Obama can "save" his base (if there is any saving that can be done). Surely, that is not a viable reason to take such radical measures The 3 Muskateers (Obama, Reid and Pelosi) have only self-interest in mind, without regard to the wants/needs of the people. I was diagnosed with melanoma some 30 years ago and given 2 years to live. At the time,I had 2 small children and no one to help me Because I had a whopping "pre-existing condition," I had to keep working to keep my health insurance so I could continue going to UCLA for treatment. I have not heard one story coming out of the press about health insurance/pre-existing conditions, etc., that is as compelling as mine was. I'm still working, still have group health insurance and thank God everyday that I survived. Life is not always fair, but we all must keep going. Obama, Pelosi and Reid need to stuff it. And don't call me Shirley.
I am astonished at how the Democratic leadership's only response to dissent is to repeat what they do and call everyone else obstructionist. After a while, don't the guys in white coats come take you away? Who are they fooling? Obviously from the polls, absolutely no one.
I think people are fed up with the whole political process (that starts the minute they are elected) and then what results. It is no longer about doing what is best for the country as a whole but doing what it takes to get re-elected. This means raising/taking obscene amounts of money from political actions groups, corporate lobbyists, etc then making decisions. I know my vote does not have the power of all these forces influencing these politicians but I will not place my "x" by any encumbent this year. I want my President and legislators to be statesmen not politicians which means compromising based people's needs not political party game playing motives.
The problem resides on the hands of the American voter. At the moment people stop treating political parties as they are their sport team or religion, and start to think about the country, more and more things would change. What the Republicans are doing right now is outrageous. They have no respect to the American people or to what USA stands for, all they care is about their political careers, where politics should never be a career but a social service.
I watch every day, praying that health care reform WILL PASS. I make $50 k per year, and work 50 to 60 hours per week. I qualify for zero aid from the govt, but my wife and 3 children have no insurance. It is simply too expensive for us. My 8 month old son has heart disease, and I am spending 1500 every 3 months for just his procedures. everyone says that we have the best health care in the world, but it does not come to my son. The doctors tell me that he will not be turned away, but the reality is, I am going deeper into debt to pay for his care. I soon will have no choice but to file medical bankruptcy.
My rep, Mac Thornberry thinks health care reform is for free loaders and lazy people. Its not. they are already covered. This health care reform is for working people.
Amarillo tx
Congress' philosophy lately seems to be that when the voter tells you NO... don't actually make changes that the constituents want, but rather repackage the same crap so it looks more appealing and try again to shove it down their throat. For whatever reason, our lawmakers honestly believe that all their constituents lack long term memory. I hope they realize that is not true in November
Thought government was by and for the people. Members of Congress should vote the will of the people and not a political thing.
This is what happens when you have one party in control and a
president that just does not get it, the American people do not want
this Obama care or another Goverment run program.
We want to revive our failing enconmy and return to prosperity
not more goverment programs that will eventualy become corrupt
and disfunctional .
We need jobs,jobs,jobs,jobs,jobs, not more Bull Sh ___t
it says that people are scared, unsure, and just as flip-floppy as those in Washington. I believe if we can see a decision made – ANY decision – people will accept it and move on to another "cause".
Elle – Pullman, WA
It's simple – their approval ratings are so low because they are amazingly dishonest and not listening to the will of the majority of Americans in regards to Health Care Reform.
This isn't rocket science, Jack!
Nashua, NH
People have given away their responsibility and power to the government. My thought is, people look at their personal messes and blame the gov't rather than themselves. They fail to take initiative to turn things around; rather, they wait for the gov't to do so. Because things don't improve (and they never will until you take your fate into your own hands) they become angry with the prez and the legislature. I don't blame them, come campaign time, those running for office promise everything.
Obama's approval rating says a lot actually. It shows that many, many Americans have been tricked into being afraid of the bill by the GOP spin masters bill. Last I heard the bill causes cancer. Who knows what it will do tomorrow? Democrats, on the other hand, have shown that they're terrible at fighting back and terrible at defending what they believe in. Liberals in this country are upset because frankly this bill did not go nearly as far as we had hope. Definitely not what we voted for. So now we have a bill, made almost entirely out of compromise, that effectively doesn't do the majority of what either side wants. They're trying to make everyone happy and as a result no one is happy. There are some minor improvements that the American people will appreciate, whether they admit it now or not, but the major reforms hoped for are effectively dead and it seems like we have a really expensive bill that doesn't do all that much.
Jack,
Where were all these Tea Party clowns when Bush and his party raped this country blinded?
The ratings are so low because the Republicans have become a party of "No!". They're refusing to do anything because they are sored losers. They don't care if a bill would benefit this country or not. It's just NO! With the supermajority needed in the Senate, how can we as a country accomplish anything? They must be counting their lucky stars that their attempt to do away with that rule failed a few years ago.
On top of that, we have the media. Fox News, a propaganda wing of the Republican party, is spreading false informations. Their counterparts, CNN including, focus too much on tabloid news. We need less stories on who slept with Tiger Woods or the Toyota witchhunt and more on real hard news. This is making a bad situation even worse.
Arlington, VA
The fact that these ratings are so low tells me that not only has politicians listen to much to their constituents, but the constituents have stopped listening to their representatives. When a politician gets voted into office, they have to balance between to extremes. Doing what their constituents and party wants to get re-elected, or to do some practical lawmaking that would do good in the long term even though it looks harmful and is against their party in the short term.
Politicians need to become pragmatic in their lawmaking, and the public needs to let them be pragmatic. The lobbyists, party leadership, and public need to stop pushing their politicians around with threats of being voted out on every issue. Because politicians have been reacting to these threats they have been voting for modern day equivalents of bread and circuses and not roads and mills.
I admire the President and the few in Congress who try and be practical in their governance. You don't have to be popular to do good government.
Michael
Seattle, WA
As a Democrat, I find it fascinating that the republicans in Congress can be lockstep with one another. Even though it's all for political purposes... in that they don't want the Obama administration to pass anything significant, even if the country _needs_ it, just so they can place blame on the current administration for not doing anything (while they blocked it all the way) come lection day...
But that attitude is to be expected from republicans. What's so strange is the inability of the Democrats to pull together and form a voting block even half as solid in its support of the administration as the republicans are against it.
The people spoke Loudly when they elected the Obama administration and the Dems into Congress. They expected bold, decisive action. A full year of solidarity would have put us on the right path, showing the people that Congress and the new Administration could get things done. Unfortunately for that goal, Democrats are a lot more diverse than Republicans and vote according to their ideals rather than with pure political gamesmanship in mind. However, the people voted for Obama's ideals... Congress should've moved decisively to support him.
That just says that americans have a bad judgement and just beleive what the media is protraying at the moment. it is a pity that they just dont use their brains and understand the isssues properly.
The yearlong health care "reform" epic reminded all of us just how sleazy the legislative process in Washington has become. Sort of like rolling over a rock and watching the maggots squirm as they are exposed to sunlight. Pretty disgusting stuff.
It says that for the most part the American people really don't know what they are talking about. A president runs on a promise of providing health care for all and when he and congress are trying to deliver on that promise; they don't like it. Wake up America!
Everyone that wants health care reform believe that the bill doesn't fix enough of the problems with health care since it was watered down.
The people who don't want health care reform are afraid their health care will be destroyed. With these two groups against the bill that only leaves the people who don't care one way or the other. These are the people who still approve of Congress and the President.
It says about the same as it has during the first year of a lot of administration's terms. Although the way the Democrats handled healthcare and the Republicans simply refused to do their jobs and simply said "No'" to anything I would say the approval rating of Congress is about right.
If they were all owned by the people versus the corporations they would be able to do their jobs.
You want a reason? How about five reasons: corruption, incompetence, arrogance, ignorance, and irresponsibility on the part of this Congress and White House. The Democrats are running this country like out-of-control drunken frat boys. Someone needs to take the keys away from them.
– Colorado Springs, CO
I can't really understand why President Obama's approval rating is going up or down. He really hasn't done much of anything, until the last few days, to push the bill one way or the other.
Another thing...... President Obama can not vote on the bill. All he can do is sign it if the lame-brain politicians pass it.
Want to know why the Congress approval rating is low.... hate to answer a question with a question but.....how do you rate idiots????
I think Health Care is great, Especially when you pay for your own. Keep Uncle Sam out of my pockets. Also, if it's sooooooo important we approve health care so quickly, why wait 4 years to enact it????? Oh yeah, we can't pay for it b/c we've already spent so much freaking money. Vote em out. Oh yeah Obama, don't think we'll forget about it in 2012 either.
It says that we are on the brink of something undeniably big. We can speculate about every single theory about what will or will not happen, but we chose (and elected) representatives to make a choice on our behalves for the betterment of this country. Sometimes the truth hurts, but to kill this bill will just stall an inevitable return of a similar bill in the future. Let's get this done. No action is fear. We can not be afraid of the future, we must move forward.
People aren't very good at facing up to gigantic problems. We have a large consensus that health care is broken, but much less agreement about what to do about it. Plus, the country has been fiercely divided for years now. Think how thin the hair was that put the second Bush in office in 2000. (He lost the popular vote; the Supreme Court ended the Florida recount with a 5-4 vote). That fierce divisiveness, compounded by a dreadful economy, lowers the trust in elected officials across the board.
It says we're being lead by crooks. And the lead crook gives us an update everyday. Do you really believe Gibbs when he says " I don't think any Congressman is going to ask to the Whitehouse to campaign for them if they switch their vote for health care reform". Yeah, and pigs can fly.
This is a no brainer! One of the most unethical administrations since the Nixon era and Congress is stealing the American public blind! They do not represent the people; only their own self interests! I say vote them all out in 2010 and 2012. Start fresh with term limits. Thank you.
As Ronald Reagan so aptly said, "Government is like a baby. An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other".
Fernandina Beach, FL
People were expecting better and they got more of the same. We did not see a major Change that was promised. The process is still broken and people are getting tired of what Washington is sending out. I does not matter which side or the asle you are on both sides need to rethink their priorities.
You can't make an omlet without breaking eggs.
We'll just have to suffer the expatriation of Rush Limbaugh, and bear the loss as best we can.
People are disappointed. Obama finally has gotten off the idea of thinking he could get Republicans to play along and it hasn't worked. Maybe his approval will increase when this is finally passed.
I understand the frustration with congress. It's an glaring problem. I have no idea what the deal is with Obama though. He's the best thing to happen to the white house in my lifetime (37 yrs.). I'm inclined to believe it's a fair bit of American ignorance and Republican Radio talk shows who know they will lose their jobs when they are found to be lairs, and like to start fires to get attention. People really need to turn their radios off and think for themselves.
I am sick of Repunlican law makers.
Pass the bill NOW.
The low approval ratings speaks to the divide in this country and the right wings attempts to exploit it. Right now the Republicans would rather destroy what is our best chance yet to do something about the raping of the American people by the insurance industry in order to gain back the power they lost. Through lies and distortions they have convinced some people to vote against their own best interests. That is just sad. I think it will pass and in a year, people will wonder what all the fuss was about.
Nothing. The main thing I have learned about this country is it is prejudice. I thought we were through this in the 60's. To listen to the points about everything fantastic thing Obama has tried to do for this country to plainly help everybody to be bullied down by the other side just for the heck of it if just crazy. Certainly there is 1 or 2 Republicans that can think on their own – Isn't there? I think the reason the bullism goes on is no one in Washington can understands what we will go through – they have no idea what the average person goes through to live. When we retire or loose our jobs no $, no insurance. When they retire they get plenty of $ and FREE INSURANCE. We need term limits, They should not get $ from US TO RETIRE AND SOCIAL SECURITY – NO FREE INSURANCE – Just what the average person gets. Maybe they would vote differently. Nancy-Oklahoma
Because he's into his second still working on health care reform to the detriment of everything else.Foreign policy is a joke ,the nations debt continues to grow and yes JOBS. He's forgotten all of his campaign promises yet continues to spend almost all of his time on health care , the majority of americans don't believe is our number one issue.Get people back to work and more help for the long term, well educated unempoyed.
People are reacting to the special interests fearmongering blitz that the've proxied through their GOP shills. This well funded, and organized slander against any Obama and the House Dems is shamelful. Whats alarming is that there are those too obtuse to see it for the propaganda of greed that it is.
No matter what legislation is on the table, each side of congress will always oppose the other, like childish bullies. No matter what the outcome is, the president will always get the blame. And, they go out of their way to make the American people fear whatever the other side is trying to do. And, where there's fear mongering, there's plenty of Americans there to drink it up. Congress, let's just stay gridlocked and keep on doing the same ol nothing you've been doing for years. As long as you are dedicated to your own interests, we will always lose out anyway.
Politicians, aided and abetted by hundreds of millions of corporate dollars, have scared the living hell out of Americans, with every ism (i.e. Fascism) they could conjure up. Our ignorance is breathtaking. Is fighting against our own interests on behalf of corporate greed an American trait, or does it happen elsewhere?
I think the low approval rating is a combination of incorrect assumptions and bad timing.
The Democrats made the assumption that Obama's victory was a mandate by the American people for his health care agenda. As much as his victory may have been refreshing and invigorating for a nation divided by the Bush policies, it is clear America is NOT united behind the idea of nationalized health care.
In the worst economic climate in recent memory, congress is proposing hundreds of billions of dollars in new spending. In as much as many would tell you that such spending is necessary in time of recession, others would say that is this type of irresponsible spending that got us in trouble in the first place.
If this idea had been proposed during an economic boom with a budget surplus, it would have passed already.
What does it say? That too many people are easily influenced by the spin of biased snipits of information about the health care issue, and that too many lawmakers in Congress are either too worried about making a wrong choice to make any choice or too worried about making the other side look bad to consider working together. Most ideas that splits down party lines do so for arbitrary reasons. Do people in Congress even really care about what benefits their state, or the country at all, or just that they make sure they disagree with the other party? If it was the former, there would be a lot more crossing of the aisle.
You know Jack I'm done screaming and demanding and I just don't give a damn anymore, They want to sink the country then I am gonna do my own sinking with my vote.
Jack,
During the run-up to the Iraq war, it was mushroom clouds and yellowcake uranium. Now it's death panels and government run health care.
It means only that fear sells, and the Republicans have always been the best salesmen. This is a tired act from an old party and their 15 minutes of fame are about to end.
Jack other Presidents have had worse poll numbers go back and look at some of Bush Jr.'s. And your just looking at the Republican talking point polls. Don't let the other party "do nothing" is a Republican slogan. Let the American people that don't like social programs give up their Social Security and congress/senate give up their health care and retirement...when they do that it will be an honest poll. Then maybe we will have something to talk about. But a bunch of Republicans booing health care for the poor, middle class and elderly...that doesn't represent a poll. Try taking SS away from the Baby Boomers. The market just ate up their retirement now you want to kill socialism health and retirement.
Go back and look at the polls when the rich gave themselves a tax break. Only the rich cheered that one. You should have heard the media. Oh...you are the media.
It says that you have to be drowning in the streets or buried alive in a bunch of rubble to get the american people see the next person's plight. We'll help you momentarilly, but don't even think about getting any long term assistance. If you can't make enough money to afford decent health care that's your problem. You got sick, insurance got cancelled, tough stuff! It says I got mine, and you aren't getting any! The great American way!
I believe that the public in general is fed up with partisan politics. Partisanship is never more evident then during President Obama’s State of the Union Address when Republican members of Congress sat on their hands while the democrats applauded the President’s speech. Members of the Republican Party will never allow the President to accomplish anything significant during his first term, as it would be detrimental to the Republican Presidential challenger come next election.
Jack, it is rare that a single issue should reach accross party lines and be so all-encompassing as the opposition to the CURRENT "health care" legislation has become. If they think the poll numbers are bottoming out, both the President and Congress are in for a rude awakening should they "pass" this legislation while ignoring both "we the people" and the Constitution! Perhaps that is a good thing, as they will then lose control and whatever they do can be UNDONE before it takes effect.
It says that the public doesn't like what this Democratic controlled Washington is force feeding us. It's saying that a President who campaigned on "change" in Washington is running things the way they always have been. He is buying votes and catering to liberal special interest groups. If this bill is as popular as Democrats keep telling us it is, why do they have to resort to so many tricks to get it passed?
Imagine that Obama was the FIRST white president in a long line of BLACK presidents. Imagine what the questions would be about his presidency? Would people be questioning his every motive/action? Think about this......
One of the posters thinks the low poll ratings reflects the intelligence of the voters. I guess he's right when you consider that populace elected Barack obama and Democrats last fall.
It says that the electorate expects too much from the ringmaster, especially since the elephants and a few dazed donkeys at the sideshow just slop at the trough and then refuse to perform.
Obama's rating has been dropping because many Americans are stupid enough to fall for many of the Republicans' outrageous claims about him, his policies and what the health care bill will do. Congress's ratings are so low partly for the above reasons. Additional reasons include, among other things, some of the ridiculous Senate rules, such as allowing a single Senators to place holds on appointments, and the Republicans' fits over the Democrats' using procedures, such as reconciliation and deem and pass, that the Republicans have used many times themselves.
I cant wait to see all the Republican and Democratic partisans coming out in response to this, accusing the other side and claiming that they are the ones causng the problem. All the while, completely oblivious to the fact that that exact attitude is the entire problem. The pettiness and the attitude that "if you disagree with me you're an idiot", and the non understanding that opinions cannot, by definition, be correct, all combine to make the political discourse in this country impossible to listen to without being infuriated if you're a moderate and reasonable human being.
Well, as someone who voted to out a good, moderate Republican so there could be a Democrat majority and we could finally get something done about the war in Iraq (back in '06) which they didn't do; and now with them stalling on the health care reform, I do disapprove of congress. So now, we have those who would disapprove of them simply because they are Democrats partnered with those of us who disapprove because the Democrats didn't do the job they promised they would do.
Actually, their positive ratings match their productivity of working for US citizens. They spend more time NOT getting things done and positioning for the next election or post-election job as a lobbyist. To make things worse, they actually think they are representing us. They tell us what we think (yes or no on upcoming legislation) based upon their own personal gain. After listening to one of their bickering sessions, you feel like you've been slimed.
The heath care vote, and the plan itself has received more coverage by the media and attention by the high powered lobbyist on both sides then any issue I can remember. Such attention is bound to get citizens on both sides upset as well. Thus negative polls.
For me, I'm sick of seeing the constant flow of ads on TV. I've never once been asked my opinion on it and no know one I know has been asked either. In my mind health care reform is well past due. I'm one that will most likely be hurt by it to some degree, but I know that for the good of the country as a whole it's a start, and something we need badly.
This is NOT health care reform - it's merely insurance reform. Health care premiums are high because doctors and hospitals are charging high fees for their services. Maybe the doctors and nurses who support this bill should be willing to cut their own rates in half to make it more "affordable" to people.
People do not approve of them because they are lying to us and stealing from us and our children and our grandchildren. On a daily basis, the President and the Congress are violating every tenent handed down by the great Statesmen of history. Jefferson said that if you don't protect your borders, you're not a country; we should not ask our children to pay for our largess. There are a hundren others. The writing's on the wall, these guys are history. I am retired and have lived in Mexico for eight years and am staying in this wonderful country till the funeral.
At this point, it does not matter who becomes president, whether it is REP or DEM, people will be unhappy with anything and everything they do. It may not be warranted, but it is just how people are these days, unhappy with everything, have no idea what they want, and love to complain.
They want more services, more money for schools, more jobs and yet want to pay less taxes. Every president going forward will continue to have low approval ratings whether they deserve it or not.
I never thought in my lifetime I would see MY COUNTRY in the shape it is now in. We have people unemployed, hungry, homeless and dying for lack of being able to afford health care. What are out leaders doing, fighting for soundbites on television, worrying over getting reelected and trying to figure out how to further line their pockets. I say vote them all out! Let's get our country back. When I see out leaders laughing in their seats while the President of the United States is giving the State of the Union address I get sick. It is unbelievable!
Last November the election was won by Obama and by a large margin. He has tried to do exactly what he promised during the campaign. What part of that do the people who voted for him not like? He tried to include Republicans but they went back to Congress determined to defeat anything and everything he did. It did not matter to them that the election in November indicated that Americans wanted what Obama stood for. Now those of us who voted for him need to stand behind him. People need to stop listening to the negative big dollar money that is trying to defeat everything he tries to do. Do you like Medicare? Do you like Social Security? Do you like having Social Security help support children if a parent dies with young children? If you like those things you will like health care. Medicare expenses run high because it is all older people. If young people were included the average costs would be much lower. Figure it out America. This health care will save us money and insure more Americans.
Perhaps it has everything to do with the fact that the president has failed to make the "Change" he campaigned on and it continues to be business as usual on the Hill ... and Congress continues to demonstrate just how out of touch with Main Street they really are ...
Jack, I think that health care reform is crucial and I have no faith whatsover in the Republicans to ever accomplish that. For that reason, I support this bill. I realize that it's not perfect, but it's head and shoulders above anything that's been done before and there's always the prospect that it will be tweaked and changed later on if it passes perhaps to even include a public option. I think the Republicans are opposing this bill for two reasons: First of all, to appease special interest groups and secondly, to prevent this President from doing something good that they never had the guts to do.
Washington is filled with nothing but "pimps & prostitutes", willing to sell their souls for MONEY. Obama says that he is a christian, in the end GOD will determine that. It is not enough to just read the WORD, we as christians are suppose to LIVE IT.
Strasburg, Colorado
This is a watered down, useless piece of Legislation. No controls over insurance rates, which means they can raise the rates again. No control over fraud, which means it will continue to drag down the system. Takes away Secure Horizons and other Senior Advantage plans from the senior population.
All American Citizens should have the same coverage as Congress, not some watered down nonsense. Why are they so reluctant to offer the entire Americans the same benefits?
I would vote every member of congress out, they have no clue what they are doing.
While I'm not happy with the health bill overall, something had to be done, and this is a start.
As for Obama, while I'm not happy with everything he has done, he is probably the first president in 40 years that cares more about helping the American people, than he does about winning a popularity contest.
Earlier today, a source in Washington DC sent me a scan of a memo that Democratic leadership has passed to staffers on the Hill instructing them how to handle the media and their bosses in the next 72 hours on ObamaCare. I confirmed it with another source on Capitol Hill a few minutes ago. The memo warns staffers to avoid discussing the mechanisms within the CBO analysis in order to mislead voters on their intentions for the “doctor fix” and how it will “undermine the reforms’ budget neutrality.”
For one, it says that maybe we need to look at more than one poll, or not cherry-pick the polls.
For another, our opinion of Congress has been sliding for the past 15 years, and until they start doing something for us, rather than to us, we will continue to hold our noses as we reelect them (and there is most of the problem).
The polls say that Americans want Congress to accomplish something that is beneficial to the country. Too much legislation is packed with pork so they can be re-elected, and there are too many ethics problems that they refuse to fix. The general population did not spend the money that created the deficiet. They don't know how to say "NO! " when someone asks for more money.
And while health care needs reform, the bill seems to only be about collecting revenue and not about cutting costs for those paying premiums and doctor bills.
All I have to say is no thanks. People don't understand this is not free healthcare. we all are going to pay for it one way or another. What is next, free cable TV or internet for everyone? How about the right for every American to have free housing or free cars? The people who are struggling will really learn what doing without is. I can't wait to vote anyone who votes for this out. I am saving my money to give to as many candidates that appose the yes man in as many states as I can.
Jeff
Casper WY
For one, it says that maybe we need to look at more than one poll, or not cherry-pick the polls.
For another, our opinion of Congress has been sliding for the past 15 years, and until they start doing something for us, rather than to us, we will continue to hold our noses as we reelect them (and there is most of the problem).
Allen
Hartwell GA
Its' Time For War In America...And See Who Is Really Ready To Die To Be Free!
It means CNN is finally scrubbing the bottom of the toilet bowl and really it was only a matter of time. The easiest way to count votes and this may be naive on my part, but wait until they actually vote. The only thing you boneheads have got right is that the tally that you have could change when they actually vote. So waste air time on your self inflicted story and forget that there is actual NEWS out there. The network famous for their polls of polls are now citing ONE poll. Oddly both parties say polls don't matter when they are unfavourable to them. I'm sure we can find polls that bias each side, so what? Call me when you stop being the Count Numbers Nitwits.
It says that they don't care about the American people. They are overbearing control freaks. The good news is that come November many members of Congress won't have a job and in 2012 we'll have a new President.
I am with Mark. I am showing up to the polls for at least the next two elections with a broom in each hand. It will be absolutely refreshing to sweep out all the incumbents. I am sure they won't mind obtaining their early retirements and lavish benefits. Of course, those newly elected will have the wonderful task of repealing all of the mess that was dropped on us and our grandchildren for years to come or they too will suffer the same fate. Why should anyone have it easy, especially when the American people have been swindled and suckered into what has become the most horrific scam in all of history?
Once we sweep them out, then they can be certain that we won't stop there as we ensure to inscribe each and everyone of their names into the history books as the losers that stole from their countrymen and women and thought they could get away with it.....
I voted for the POTUS. Healthcare Reform, troops out of Iraq, education & boosting the economy. He's being obstructed from doing the job I want him to do. It appears POTUS, Pelosi & a few others are the only ones working for ME. The rest of Congress is turning its back on him to save themselves; I will never forgive them for that.
My sense is that people are fed up with a system which seems just about jockeying for power. It is a cycle that seems to go on and on and on. Candidates, of all stripes, make promises and then once in Washington only show concern for either winning back or maintaining power. Do I have a solution? No. Honestly, for the most part, I have checked out of the debate. I find it too discouraging and there seems no end in sight. The lengths people will go to sabotage the American people for their own gain has left me too dispirited to pay more than the minimum of attention required.
The low ratings reflect the success of the GOP plan to sabotage Obama's administration. They started over a year ago to obstruct, delay, filibuster and generally defeat ALL attempts by the democrats to change the course of America, even at the expense US citizens. It is their goal to use his inability to circumvent their actions to define Obama as being unfit to lead.
Because aggressive right wing political agendas are being pushed with the help of Fox News. Fox is spoon feeding their viewers gross disinformation about this Bill as well as many other issues. First President Obama wasn't an American Citizen, then he was a Muslim trying to destroy the country, then he was a Socialist, then they compared him to Hitler, now he's a dictator. What will the Republicans next attempt be to discredit the President of the United States? Unfortunately, people by this National Enquirer type of rhetoric!
Because we know for sure now that they work for us, and it doesn't matter what their party affiliation is.
Eugene, OR
Because the polls are not accurate. These polls are inaccurate because they do not show the voters who are too busy to take polls and those who do not have access to the Internet to respond to polls.
It says most people do not have a stomach for the legislative process or anyone associated with it. This, too, shall pass when the media once again ceases to cover step by step of a piece of legislation through Congress.
Polls Polls, Polls, I havent been polled and I havent changed my mind about this President or HCR,, I believe its the right thing to do and we cant begin to address our deficit until we do something about ballooning HC costs.......I also voted for BO and I am not sorry, I still support the platform he ran andwas elected on.
Where were the tea parties during Bush? Asleep. Where are they now? At the forefront because Obama is twice as spend happy as Bush was DURING the greatest recession since the Great Depression.
Quit with the silly arguments. When the economy is rolling, very few question. When it stinks, questions everything. It is called human nature. The fact the tea partiers weren't united until now is a non-issue. If you listen to what they say, it is... "we're tired of ALL politicians spending our money". Only the uneducated poor and middle class think it is ok to steal from the rich. What you don't understand is that soon... it will be the upper middle, then the middle, then the lower middle... there is never enough of other people's money that a "progressive" (funny when it is actually a step back in time, not progress) will spend.
Government is supposed to be of the people, by the people, and for the people, but it seems that only the first two seem to apply. This means that most of the country is not satisfied with two out of three.
Well, Duh? It's obvious, the vast "silent majority" is not happy with what is going on.
I called the White House switchboard today for the first time in my life. I'm an independent voter.
My message to President Obama is this:
You have lost every bit of my confidence as our President. During your inauguration speech, you said something to the effect that you wanted to be President to all voters: those who supported you and those who did not. After bank bailouts, auto industry bailouts, and now, this massively bloated excuse of a health bill, I do not feel that you, Mr. Obama, hear your constituency. You have chosen to be nobody's President but your own.
My message to our Democratic Legislators from Texas is this:
If you vote "yes" to this bill, I will not vote for a single Democrat on the ticket this November, nor for the foreseeable future.
My message to the Legislature as a whole is this:
I'm an American, and I am extremely angry and utterly disgusted by what our elected officials are doing to our country. You consistently show favoritism to large industry and banks through bailouts and special interests while crushing the middle class under the weight of it all. You are not listening to us as we SCREAM for you to listen.
Remember this: We hired you. We will fire you.
Government is not the solution to our problem, Government is the problem. Ronald Reagan
The high office of the president has been used to foment a plot to destroy America's Freedom and before I leave office, I must inform the citizen of this plight. JFK Nov 12, 1963 Col U.
If voting would change anything, they would abolish it.
The trouble with socialism, is that you eventually run out of other peoples money.
The last official act of any Government is to loot the nation.
BEWARE THE FURY OF THE PATIENT MAN.
VOTE THEM ALL OUT! Or DRAG THEM OUT!
30M uninsured represents 1/10 of the population. However the bigger issue facing 90% of the populaton is the escalating cost of healtcare, which this bill does nothing to address.
Like Vultures waiting on the wings of the once honorable US Senate Chambers, the Republican US Senators are poised to obstruct the Health Care bill with a multiple cascade of Point of Order requests in their last dieing attempt to obstruct and stop America's Health Care bill from passing the US Senate and being signed into law.
I find it entirely ironic that Republican's are warning the Democrats on their election chances in November. The Republican's are doing everything they can to dissuade all Americans from ever voting for any Republican candidate ever again.
I suggest all Americans vote for those that are actually working in the US Congress and US Senate Chambers.
Vote more Democratic lawmakers into office for a better future in America tomorrow.
Jack: It's very clear that the Republicans have decided that the key to their success is to make sure that nothing ever gets done in the Obama presidency. These guys continue to cut trees down in the path this man's wagon. The party of "No" is solely responsible for Congress' inability to function.
Congress is slowly coming around to the fact that the American people, through the free and efficient exchange of information, are back in charge. ANY member of congress that does not act as a proxy for the people, democrate or republican, will be punished in the election booth. Obama is talking as if it is now or never. Not true, there is always tomorrow and congress is free to start over and pick the low-hanging fruit.
It means that Americans are about to take America back. If ObamaCare is passed, look for the biggest change in DC in history.
Jack, it says nothing except that the American people want "the government" to work for them, rather than the American people making the government do what they want. The country is divided by partisan politics, with one party spreading itself thin trying to get important things done that at least half the country wants, and the other party saying no to anything without contributing to the process. Yet the people aren't vocal enough with their representatives unless they're on the fringes, the people are letting special interests like fringe groups and corporate lobbies overwhelm the voice they have in the democratic process. Bottom line? The people are lazy and want someone to do it for them, and when it takes too long they just assume "the other party" will do better. The American public has become the ultimate flip-flopper.
They are all like a bunch of lemmings running into the sea, and we are telling them to stop. Our words are falling on deaf ears, and they are committing suicide.
Its time now for America to experience what she has placed upon others...America and her people are so arrogant...only thinking of themselves...its time for a new 21st Century Civil War in America!
Jack,
This is a profile in courage.
Nay saying is the easier position.
We only need to remember the Schievo foray to bring to mind the right wing trending on fundamental rights with trickery and treachery.
R.C
It says that we don't want the health care bill the way it is. How is it so hard to figure that out? I think that everyone in the country knows that the healthcare system needs to be fixed, but most people don't want that to mean that the government will be taking over 1/6 of the economy. Fix what is wrong, don't break the entire thing.
Jack, the response shows that doing what is difficult and right is not always popular. It is the "difficult and right" combination that loses support.
Jack: What does it say to your net work when we out here in the Heartland turn you and Wolf off!
Health care will pass and who cares about the next election??
We will vote out every one that votes NO.
It means that they have consistently ignored the will of We the People aka their bosses and we don't like it. And the more they do it the worse their periodic evaluations will become. They have habitually lied to us, tried to scam us, drive our country into the ground, ignored our will, tried to ram it down our representive's throats, they have called us names like swastika-wearing mobs, implied that we're too stupid to know what we need and want, and that they're doing us a favor by intruding into our lives with their mandates. They label anyone who doesn't like it a racist. And when they get caught engaging in their corrupt ways, all we hear is the child's "he did it/they didit" excuse. They are the worst employees we have ever elected since Comrades Woodrow Wilson and TDR, are in desperate need of adult supervision, and need not re-apply for their jobs.
It tells me the insurance company attack ads are doing their job.
Jack, I think that it's a shame that so many people complain endlessly about our political system and our representatives. But when you look at the percentage of folks that actually vote in elections, it's pathetic. Stop crying and start voting, people!! My Dad fought for our democracy is WWII and was never the same according to my mother. He paid for our freedom to vote not just whine.
25% of the disapprove votes would disapprove no matter what but the new disapproval votes are a lot of people who are disappointed that healthcare has taken so long and will approve of the president and a lot of congress members once healthcare reform, as imperfect as it is, get passed.
It means this may in fact be the worst and most dangerous legislation ever spawned from the serpent pits of the District of Corruption. I have noticed even my 'liberal' friends despise this highly corrupt bill with passion No public option = no reform!! Mandatory membership with mandatory fee = violent responses if the blogs I see are accurate.
It says your one major competition is a "Grand master" of distortion , misrepresentation, Lie's, Abuse of the common trust (Media)...And have corrupt insurance Huge money behind them..Simple...!
I think the American people are scared and unhappy and are blaming the messenger. Mr. Obama did not create the current mess and is being blocked at every turn trying to fix it. As a Canadian I consider you lucky to have such a leader but sometimes I can understand it is hard to see the forest for the trees.
America's democracy has become a joke. Members of congress do not work for the people they represent. They work for the corporate scum that pay them.
Jack:
When people actually begin to experience the benefits of the Health Care Bill, such as not having their insurance cancelled when they get sick, they will begin to realize that tha President is right. At the moment they are so deluged with misleading republican nonsesnse, most people really don't understand what is really going on.
What the polls say is that the media and the republicans have done an excellent job of fearmongering. No one said this was going to be easy Jack and there will probably be a couple of people that lose their jobs. What will happen to all of those big insurance lobbyists after the vote is taken? Who cares.
Once they get this HCR done, the ratings will go back up! People are frustrated at all the posturing going on in Congress.
And people who are not plugged in to CNN for the facts are listening to the lies in the attack commercials-one runs here in N.O. at least 3 times a day.
We need action!!! Pass the bill NOW!
These low approval ratings of the President and Congress certainly don't mean that any opposition party will get a free ride.
Polls don't matter. Let's see what 2 1/2 years from now brings?
It is simple, our elected officials are jerks. I just received a questionnaire from my congressmen. one question was, "Do you support or oppose health care, yes or no? There was another just like this. These people are idiots. I have no respect for any of them.
David in Orlando
Healthcare reform is no longer about WE THE PEOPLE.
Democrats and Republicans are at WAR with each other. We the people have been locked out of this fight. But will we required to clean up the mess.
That both the congress and the President are near their lowest voter rating of the job they are doing tells me they have room to go lower or out of a job as they continue ignoring the voters.
It shows that the republican congress has done a good job at mud sligging and bringing down the OBAMA presidency with the words of "NO." Congress is at an all time low because it is so polarized and they cannot agree on one issue! STOP with the stalemate we want progress and change!
It's obvious , Jack. Obama is realizing that he can't walk on water. The more he tries, the faster he sinks. And he will take a large chunk of Congress down with him. The people know we need reform but this bill is an abomination. It's a lot harder to govern than to campaign, huh Mr. President?
These polls mean that the people with health care (the majority) are unwilling to spend a penny for the people who do not have health care (the minority). As an RN I see the cost of uninsured people on a daily basis and I just do not understand how people can be so uncaring about their fellow citizens.
I think Obama is doing a good job. With who he is working with. I always vote for a new person each time.Even in our local votes. I hate congress, I know it is wrong to hate, But I think GOD will understand.
They are spending us into bankruptcy! Where are the jobs? Redistribution of wealth... these are just a few reasons their approval ratings are so low!
It says to things... 1.) Folks are tired of waiting for this bill to pass. 2.) Washington is a lot more transparent nowadays than ever, and people are seeing just how ugly politics can be. It's always been this way in Washington. The President has only pulled back the curtain for all to see! Go figure.
What it really shows Jack is this is a really big deal. Before any huge decisions whatever party has been in power has looked like a horses rear end. I just hope these people who are going to vote "no", stay at home so they don't need to see the people they will be directly denying a chance for decent health care.
To me, it says that the President actually cares about doing what he thinks will help the American people, not his personal ratings. Congress, on the other hand, just seems lost. Democrats and Republicans seem to be voting along party lines once more, and not taking into consideration the needs of their constituents.
Jack,
It pretty clearly tells me that despite the public's negative opinion of this pending legislation, the executive and legislative branches of our (OUR) government have turned a blind eye.
Same question with a twist:
Will "we, the people..." remember come November?
It is absolutely amazing that misinformation spread by the opposition party (Republicans) could be accepted as gospel by so many Americans. Our economy is being destroyed by those who are uninsured, but this misinformation campaign buries that fact. The insured pay for the uninsured since hospitals and other provider must increase their fees for insured people to make up for noncollectable fees they incur for the uninsured, but this is being completely ignored.
This Internet and 24 hour news campaign is surely going to rewrite every political science textbook.
Jack, the President's poll numbers say that he is trying to do something for the people. As usual the people are not aware that they need help. The people believe that Rush and Sarah and of course Dick Aormy have told them what to believe...that makes it true. Despite that Rush has a couple of hundred million from his new cntract, Palin is now a millionaire and Dick is being paid by the insurance lobby... Joe sixpack is out beating the bricks shouting "We don't want health care reform". How stupid is that?
The President and Democrats are damned if they do and damed if they don't, so I say be damned and pass the damn bill. Besides, after all the smoke clears, America will be better off with 10% of something to build upon verus a 100% percent of nothing.
Speaks volumns about low this country has sunk over the past 30-40 years. American people have very little faith in their government, but do not seem to have the cajones to make real changes. Hoping for change will not make it happen – we, as a country, have to do it and
stop letting the politicians tell us how good a job they are doing for us.
It means nothing. At this point in his presidency, Ronald Reagan was at the same point. As for Congress, well no one ever likes them. Instead of voting on their own beliefs, the reason their constituents elected them in the first place (theoretically, at least. We all know most Congressmen get in based on party lines only which is a problem in and of itself), these people vote based on statistics. What will get them in office for another two years? Is this vote going to put their job at risk? It's disgusting. Career politicians are what will, in the end, be our downfall.
It's time for this country to have some sanity in health care. It shouldn't end the American Dream just because you get sick. Republicans are always for deregulation and we saw what that did to the financial markets. They are always trying to block progress. Universal health care would be better, but this bill is good enough. Time to stand up against the insurance lobby.
Don't blame it on the media, don't blame it on the people. Put the blame squarely on the Congress and Past and current administration who govern thinking they know better than the people paying the bills
Joe McDurmont asks: March 19th, 2010 4:43 pm ET
Why do the democrats think that it is the job of government to take
Can...one person tell me why government (really those that pay the lions share of taxes) should pay for a persons healthcare?
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At the Last Supper Jesus makes it clear. He says "I have a new commandment to give you, that you are to love one another; that your love for one another is to be like that love I have borne you. The mark by which all men will know you for my disciples will be the love you bear one another."
With every procedural move under a microscope so the 24 hour news networks, including yours, can fill their time, it's amazing the approval ratings are as high as they are. This is the way every piece of legislation in our history has been done. It's only in the last 30 years or so that the public at large has been treated to every fit, start and hiccup along the way. All in the name of programming content.
David
New York
Jack, it's hardly surprising. In the US people are born in the left or the right. Basically the country is split right down the middle. It doesn't matter what "great special" deal is out there proposed to congress. 50% of the population will support and the other against.
The country has been taken over by big pharma, insurance and corporate interests. To ignore this is a sign of the level of competence of the general population.
The US is BROKE! The deficit is 11T and the obligation debt is closer to 56T. It's over! The responsibility of the govt. is to protect the people. It is also fiscally responsible for the day to day of the business of govt.
I find it amazing that the general public cannot fathom the fact that with an aging population (old people need more medical coverage and hospitalization) that it is a matter of time that this can no longer continue.
It's almost like the mortgage industry. While the rest of the western world were in awe with the fact that the US couldn't figure out that this was an economic farce (country is 75+% based on consumption). It's the same with the health industry.
Welcome to the rest of the planet!
It doesn't mean anything. It's just business as usual and it will never change. This happens every 10 to 20 years: the people get fed up and vote in a slew of candidate who promise to change things, but nothing ever happens
I say it's about time that Democrats woke up and saw that Americans are sick of the left trying to cram it's national socialist tripe down our collective throats.
Instead of taking note and wising up, Democrats instead act like crybabies and blame Republicans, Rush, Bush and everyone BUT themselves for the debacle they've created with their patently unpopular actions.
The situation is very plain to anyone with a lick of sense: either the Democrats can abandon the irrational path they've taken in this misnamed "reform," or they can join their constituents in the unemployment line in Novembers 2010 and 2012!
JD, Phoenix
Jack, What it means is that no one likes change, the fear of the unknown, especially the Republicans. It shows that most do not know their American history, because this country was founded because people did not like the status quo and wanted things to change. Show some faith and backbone, and help the ones in need. Our country was also founded on faith in God, and we are to "help the least of these" as best we are able. I hope the men and women of congress consider others first, and not their own political career.
To say that "Congress does not represent the American people" means "you aren't doing what "I" want.... without realizing there are other people, with different ideas, different priorities.
You can not please all of the people all of the time! Those who don't agree with you scream about "taking our country back" while those who agree with you, vote you back into office.
Interesting point: New Orleans is strongly Democratic – but their representative is voting against the health care bill: and said on CNN – its his decision – not his voters. Bet he doesn't make another term.
It tells us that We The People no longer feel we are being represented by our elected officials. We do not approve and THEY KNOW IT, yet they are deliberately ignoring the will of the people and instead pushing their own agenda.
There was a revolution fought once over 'taxation with no representation' – Congress & the White House would do well to remember that history often repeats itself.
It's true Jack. If Americans could vote out every single member of Congress with one line on a ballot – including their own representative – they would. Right before they vote the same representative back in, like they always do. They should install mirrors in voting booths so Americans can see whose keeping these incumbents in office.
Jon
Fort Lauderdale, FL
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I hope you ask this question after the health care bill becomes law. Jack's question is designed to make the president look bad; the question does not reflect nor does it interprets the results of the poll in question.
Maybe with real unemployment at 20%, the middle class being decimated by falling housing prices and job losses, the government spending like no tommorrow and so many people not even trying, those of us working and making an effort are getting tired of supporting those who do not. Jack, try sending a kid to college a moderate private school and making your mortgage payment and paying your taxes. I figure, it is already to late, we are in default and you guys in the media just keep hyping the Obama agenda. Stop treating people like pets. We need to be responsible for ourselves and our families. Jack, you make me sad everyday just watching you do your liberal thing.
You seem more qualified as a TEA PARTY member then a CNN commentator. You try to impose your one sided views and usually broadcast only the ones that identify with you. I am FOR the health care program and truly hope it will pass. I admit to be against the private deals ... but if this is the only way it will pass then so be it.
President Obama will serve eight years and be remembered as the best president of all time.He cares about the people. I think congress will have better ratings as time passes. Remember Bush poll numbers 25to29., or, was that lower. My heart sings watching the Republican break down .
The question is will the people become apathetic and stop participating or will they stand up start protesting, start participating in selective boycotts of big business and government and take back the country by just saying "NO." Obama's approval rating is low because he inherited the worst economic crisis of this generation and it is no easy fix. Congress has very low ratings because "collectively" they are the roadblock to change and the very core of the despised 'gridlock." The question moving forward is can we rally the people of this country (and it's happening) enough to create an atmosphere of change or we'll make the change ourselves. If the people of this country who want real change stay engaged in the fight then we are on the brink of a revolution. This can and should be a peaceful revolution but it's coming!
When 85% of 300,000 citizens want a NO NO NO Vote on this heath care act , who do these legislative senators and representatives vote for.
It means that Americans are fed up with all the inane posturing, bickering and delays; we want results NOW.
When wall street screws up> give them more money
When banks fail> give them more money
When insurance premiums go up> give insurance more money
When our kids are stupid> blame teachers and cut funding
When health care is unaffordable>congress gives themselves exclusive care.
Oh, well!
I personally do, not believe in any polls there always in accurate. Look at the out come of the Obama election. Way off Obama had a landslide. Go healthcare.
I commend the President for pushing ahead with healthcare despite the popularity polls, that is exactly the kindof President I voted for, one who puts the good of his people ahead of his job.
Certainly better than the Republican proposal, which is of course do nothing and be paid by insurance companies to do nothing.
I cannot understand members of Congress being so hoodwinked. The President has not fulfilled any of his promises, the Speaker of the House represents a State that is, for all practical purposes, bankrupt, and those that members of Congress that support Obamacare have been "bribed" or "purchased" via various means. They are like prostitutes trying to please their pimp. They have no shame and are willing to violate all common sense in an effort to please their pupiteer. Sickening!
It says Rome is falling. Though I'm sure the healthcare Lobbyists already have Champaign on ice awaiting the approval of a corporate heist that is sure to rival the Walltreet bailout. A Revolution is long overdue.
It shows me that way too many people are listening to Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck.
Can you imagine where we would be right now if it was up to John McCain and Sarah Palin to clean up the mess Bush left?
Jack, frankly, I am confused because I STILL don't know exactly what the healthcare reform bill means. For example, as a Medicare recipient, I understand that the bill would do away with Medicare Advantage, right? If so, since I am on an Advantage plan, what happens to me? Right now, I can't afford a monthly premium in addition to the money Medicare already deducts. But no one has explained what all this means to me. On the other hand, I am all for closing the donut hole.... why hasn't our government told Americans exactly what is supposed to happen?
Elbridge Price, Waco, Texas
The promise for transparency have been broken.....in most of America's mind. We voted for change...but don't see any.
Only one thing is going to save this country and that is full employment. Not healthcare reform, nor industry bail outs. Job creation is our best option.
Economics 101 teaches that the only way to sustain an economy is through the creation of jobs. Washington can throw as many dollars at Wall Street and the banking industry as it wants, but those dollars will be lost forever due to incompetence, greed, and amoral industry executives. Real economic recovery will begin only after America's unemployment numbers drop.
It says that the democrats lost control of the message early on, and the polls now are distorted by the distortions of the republicans.
just watched some republican on cnn say –usa could save money by letting the sick die–huh!!! reminds me of "don't have bread-let them eat cake" attitude–or "i am alright jack"
It means that people are impatient and have unrealistic expectations and that the media and right-wing noise machine have succeeded in confusing, agitating, and exasperating them. Watching the news is like driving on a trip with kids endlessly whining "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"
You can do better, Jack. "Are we there yet?"
It shown that we need term limits. Eight consecutive years max with 4 years off before running again. Too bad the republicans are the only other choice. They are not that much better, though anything is better than what we have now. I live near the town of Sunol where they elected a dog a mayor. I'm sure a dog would do a better job that Obama.
It means that the candidate of change turned out to be more of the same.
The reason that the polls show such disapproval is because the President can't get anything done because Congress is just too worried about getting reelected. When are they all going to wake up and realize that the poll numbers means with nothing getting done, the public doesn't want any of them there unless they can get something done even if not everyone agrees with them.
I do not think it means much. Approval is low because voters to the left and right of this are not happy with this legislation and have demonized it. If this gets passed, though, it will make Obama look like a winner and his numbers will go up. Congress-probably not so lucky-they really are pretty bad.
Fred
Could all those broken promises,lies and inuendos?
What amazes me is that you have all these politicians in Washington, and those who are running for offices blaming Washington, yet they all want to run for office in Washington.
If Washington is that bad, stay and run for office in your state or local district.
They all run to Washington because there is a huge pie there - $$$$ and they all want to get a slice of it.
The bottom line for me is this. If this is such a wonderful program,
then why did Congress exempt themselves?
Ask kids how many approve of their parents' job performance when they make them eat their vegetables. Do parents KNOW it's the right thing to do no matter how hard it is? Does it cost more to feed children healthy food? Yes. Will it save TONS of money in the long run; medical bills, diabetes medication, etc? Yes. So, should parents stop just because THEIR under-educated kids complian complain; the ones their charged with doing everything in their power to protect and serve? So why should the Commander-in-chief stop leading because a bunch of spoiled, selfish, whiney, under-educated complainers don't approve? God bless the President. Apparently, no one else will.
Let's hope it means that the American people are finally taking an interested in their country. After all, we voted these people there, and we continue to re-elect the same people over and over. At some point the people have to wake up and see they are the reason this is broke. They are the ones not holding their representatives accountable and allowing this crap to continue.
There is one thing that has been cleared up in the entire process though. The electoral college doesn't sound like such a bad idea, at least based on the general population's penchant for electing representatives.
For those that support health care reform, I will support them this fall. This is what I elected them to do. It's the cowards that run away from their responsibility and try to leave this for someone else to do that deserve to leave. We just need to do a better job of making sure our reps understand this. Doing nothing is not an option.
Its not the President Obama who is at fault here...Its CONGRESS...I really hope everyone realizes and understands...if he (President Obama) could do it...it would have been done on January 20, 2009 when he took office...
The American people who claim the majority has spoken...I wasn't polled, and I am the Majority! These polls are scammed to go the way the person wishes for them to go, those voting on these polls voted HOW many times?
LOL What area was the poll collected?
So my fellow Americans we are on the verge of an American War...and its needed because America has become to arrogant, and when this war starts, then America will understand...and then work the Constitution as it should have been all along!
the shame is the polls are not true and only the media believes in them. the polls are republican advertisement which have been rigged.
Good thing the President listened to professionals on Iraq and Afghanistan, and not opinion polls.