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The Spectacle Blog

Poll Shows Opposition to HC Bill Helped Fuel Brown's Victory

By Philip Klein on 1.22.10 @ 5:03PM

A new Washington Post poll of voters in the Massachusetts special election blows a hole in the idea that vague populist anger -- rather than opposition to Democrats' health care bill -- fueled Scott Brown's election victory in Massachusetts.

According to the poll, 56 percent of all voters said health care efforts were an "extremely important" factor in their vote -- that compares to 44 percent who said economy and jobs, which was the next closest. And when asked the "single most important factor" 34 percent named health care, compared with 18 percent who said economy and jobs.

Meanwhile:

Overall, just 43 percent of Massachusetts voters say they support the health-care proposals advanced by Obama and congressional Democrats; 48 percent oppose them. Among Brown's supporters, however, eight in 10 said they were opposed to the measures, 66 percent of them strongly so.

So in other words, there's no way for proponents of the Democratic health care bill to spin this one. Even in the liberal stronghold of Massachusetts, more of the electorate is opposed to the health care bill than supportive, and the opponents are more energized. Imagine what the numbers would look like in any conservative-leaning district held by a Democrat right now.

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Lullaby's, Legends and Lies| 1.22.10 @ 9:12PM

The Democrat’s reaction to the Right’s resurgence, is reminding me of The Black Knight, from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, what do you think?

King Arthur: I command you, as King of the Britons, to stand aside!
Black Knight: I move for no man.
King Arthur: So be it!
[they fight until Arthur cuts off Black Knight's left arm]
King Arthur: Now, stand aside, worthy adversary!
Black Knight: 'Tis but a scratch!
King Arthur: A scratch? Your arm's off!
Black Knight: No, it isn't!
King Arthur: Well, what's that then?
King Arthur: I've had worse.
King Arthur: You liar!
Black Knight: Come on, You pansy!
[they fight again. Arthur cuts off the Knight's right arm]
King Arthur: Victory is mine!
[kneels to pray]
King Arthur: We thank thee, Lord, that in thy mercy -
[cut off by the Knight kicking him]
Black Knight: Come on, then.
King Arthur: What?
Black Knight: Have at you!
King Arthur: You are indeed brave, Sir Knight, but the fight is mine!
Black Knight: Oh, had enough, eh?
King Arthur: Look, you stupid bastard. You've got no arms left!
Black Knight: Yes I have.
King Arthur: *Look*!
Black Knight: It's just a flesh wound.
[the Black Knight continues to threaten Arthur despite getting both his arms and one of his legs cut off]
Black Knight: Right, I'll do you for that!
King Arthur: You'll what?
Black Knight: Come here!
King Arthur: What are you gonna do, bleed on me?
Black Knight: I'm invincible!
King Arthur: ...You're a loony.
[King Arthur has just cut the Black Knight's last leg off]
Black Knight: All right, we'll call it a draw.
King Arthur: [Preparing to leave] Come, Patsy.
[King Arthur and Patsy ride off]
Black Knight: [calling after King Arthur] Oh, oh, I see! Running away, eh? You yellow bastards! Come back here and take what's coming to you! I'll bite your legs off!

What are they going to say in November?

Margie| 1.23.10 @ 1:44PM

I hereby pronounce thee~ Lullabye's, Legends & Lies, "Black Knight II!"

In November the "peons" will win again to the bewilderment of all kings everywhere.

Pete| 1.22.10 @ 9:37PM

Great scene...perfect for this situation. I don't like to associate myself with the French, but it would be funny for some R in congress to say "Now go away, or I shall taunt you a second time."

Oldefarte| 1.24.10 @ 2:20PM

ALERT: Even though most of you bloggers are probably already aware of this, I've just read elsewhere an eidtorial [in the American Thinker] concerning the US Department of Justice establishing a group of government paid [anomonous] bloggers that write [comment] favorable opinions at various media 'comment sections' concerning the current administration's policies/programs,etc. So be very suspicious of any/all such bloggers appearing here at the AS that may be US Department of Justice employees disguised as ordinary public citizens!!!!!