Public Remains Focused on Health Care Reform
Close to half the public (48%) followed news about the new health care law most closely last week, dwarfing the 8% following the other top policy story, the economy, that closely
It Passed. So What’s in It?
Democrats and the affluent are more confident they understand the impact of the new law. Most Americans are turning to the media for details.
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.
