Public Critical of Media’s Health Care Coverage
On the day of the House vote, 62% said they thought the legislation would pass, up from just 43% last weekend. Many are critical of press handling of health care (details of the plan and the political debate).
Legislative Lessons
Most have heard something about partisan tactics on the bill, but only a third know how many votes health care reform will need in the next Senate vote.
Post-Summit, More See Health Reform Passing
Belief that a bill will pass is on the rise, but still a minority opinion. Americans are still hearing mostly bad news about jobs.
Public Focuses on Health Care and Olympics
Following the White House health care summit about a third of Americans think reform will pass this year, up from 27% before the meeting.
Sports Centered
The Winter Olympics proved to be the public’s top story, while Americans’ favorite water-cooler topic was Tiger Woods.
Haiti, Snowstorms, Economy Vie for Public’s Attention
Seven-in-ten say the media gave the right amount of coverage to the fierce winter snow storms that hit the East Coast and the South.
Strong Public Interest in Haiti Aftermath
Controversial topics at home — Toyota’s recall, gays in the military, the Tea Party convention — could not compete with devastation abroad for the public’s attention.
Haiti Remains Public’s Main Concern
While the media focus shifted to Obama and his speech before Congress, public attention remained on Haiti.
Health Care Reform Now Seen on Life Support
The public’s take on the chances that health care legislation will be enacted this year shifted dramatically after Scott Brown’s Jan. 19 victory in Massachusetts. About two-thirds (67%) now say they do not think a health care reform bill will be passed into law this year.
Haiti Dominates Public’s Consciousness
Not only is the public closely tracking news from Haiti, 18% report they or someone in their household made a donation to those affected by the earthquake — many using the internet or other technology — while another 30% say they plan to donate. The Obama administration gets high marks for its response to the disaster.
