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Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody

By Philip Klein on 2.16.10 @ 12:53PM

This morning, I spoke on a panel reacting to a new health care poll conducted by Zogby International in conjunction with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. While John Zogby and Ward Casscells of the University of Texas saw the results as offering a way forward on health care, along with other panelists, I felt that it actually showed why we can expect more gridlock.

Like other polls, the Zogby results suggest that Americans like some of the individual components of the legislation -- covering those with preexisting conditions, preventing insurers from dropping coverage when people get sick, creating health insurance exchanges, etc. But at the same time, about 80 percent of people were at least somewhat satisfied with their current insurance, and were unwilling to accept the tradeoffs necessary to achieve the measures they support.

For instance, asked how much money in higher taxes they'd be willing to pay so that everybody can gain health coverage, the most popular response was "zero" -- which was the answer of about 43 percent. Just 12 percent said they'd be willing to pay more than $500 a year in extra taxes. In addition, less than 17 percent supported cutting Medicare as a way to pay for the legislation, and under 19 percent favored requiring people to purchase insurance (necessary if you're going to force insurers to cover those with preexisting conditions). Of course, as we all know, the Democratic health care bills are financed by raising taxes and cutting Medicare, and include an individual mandate.

So it isn't surprising that the poll showed that Americans opposed the health care legislation by a 51 percent to 40 percent margin. More tellingly, the intensity was on the side of the opponents, with 43 percent saying they "strongly oppose" the bill compared to just 20 percent who say they "strongly support" it.

None of the members of the panel thought that a comprehensive health care bill would pass this year. (Other than me, the panel included the Hill's Jeffrey Young, Slate's Tim Noah and Tom Scully, who helmed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under President Bush and helped pass the prescription drug benefit).

UPDATE: Here is Young on the poll. He notes that most Americans say that Congress should start over.

View all comments (75) | Leave a comment

Bob| 2.16.10 @ 1:52PM

The real truth here is that people want something for nothing -- it is a lottery mentality. They want the benefits, but don't want the costs. Medicare needs to be cut -- it costs too much. That means care will be rationed because Medicare reimbursements are among the lowest in medicine.

What this means is that eventually, whether you have Republican or Democrat administrations, taxes will be increased. Taxes were lowered under Reagan and Bush and the debt climbed more than any other period. The only way to accomplish this is to have term limits, so legislators can make the tough decisions and not worry about being reelected.

Eventually, the debt will be so large we will not be able to borrow anymore. So how many of you will back rationing and cuts in Medicare and Social Security? If you aren't willing to do this, you're not a fiscal conservative.

Pingback| 2.16.10 @ 2:36PM

People Love Health Care Reform's Benefits As Long As They Don't Have to Pay For Them links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…what Republicans are demanding and what President Barack Obama insists he will not do. Of course, it's not clear what sort of revised and resubmitted reform plan Americans would support. As Philip Klein says, the public favors all sorts of health care benefits but isn't interested in any of the usual ways—higher taxes, changes to Medicare—to pay for them. You could make the Weisbergian point that this…

Pingback| 2.16.10 @ 4:01PM

Health Insurance Texas - Tuesday, February 16 - Kaiser Health News « Health Insurance links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…(PHT) has selected Companion Data Services (CDS) to provide data center hosting and related services for PHT’s A-Claim™ health care and payments-transaction Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure - Spectator.org This morning, I spoke on a panel reacting to a new health care poll conducted by Zogby International in conjunction with the University of Texas Health Science…

Pingback| 2.16.10 @ 8:01PM

Maybe they do miss Bush, after all « Exile on Mainstream links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

Exile on Mainstream Clinging to the politics of sanity, one synapse at a time Subscribe via RSS Home About 17Feb/10 0 Maybe they do miss Bush, after all Philip Klein of the American Spectator highlights a Zogby poll that gets to the rub of the Obamacare debate: For instance, asked how much money in higher taxes they’d be willing to pay so that everybody can gain health coverage, the most…

Pingback| 2.16.10 @ 8:40PM

How Much Are Americans Willing to Pay to Insure Everyone on ObamaCare? Most Popular links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Hollywood celebrities, socialist puppet masters, or congressional Democrat millionaires… Are you listening, Congress? From Philip Klein, American Spectator, Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody: This morning, I spoke on a panel reacting to a new health care poll conducted by Zogby International in conjunction with the University of Texas Health Science Center…

George Herbert Walker| 2.16.10 @ 8:46PM

Bob, amen.

Can we please dispense with the Hannity-Beck-Palin blather about how the American people are "squaring their shoulders" against fascist-socialist-Nazi-communist tyranny?

They want something for nothing. During the Bush 43 years, they got it.

arm hair removal | 12.13.10 @ 3:33PM

that is completly right and they sould not ever get it!

martin j smith| 2.17.10 @ 8:14AM

Here are those who support Obamacare: Crony capitalists such as AMA,AARP, BIG FARMA,BIG LABOR (SIEU ) to neame a few. Thene there are the "true believers" somehow believe ( wrongly ) that by making everyone equal(ly miserable ) that is "fair"--but this crowd for them " not in my backyard". Then there are the "gimmeez"--these are ones who want something for nothing. They do not are and have no idea what the details are just gimmeeee. There are what I call "wannabeeeeez" thones who may still think BHO is "cool" or its "cool" to support him. But they too will say" NIMBY". So:

Do you blame the voters: Just say No baby !!!!!!!!

JmsA| 2.17.10 @ 11:11AM

If the proposed overhaul; that is, takeover of healthcare by the democrats is so great, why did the politicians trying to shove it down our throats exempt themselves from it?

Pingback| 2.17.10 @ 11:49AM

The American Spectator : AmSpecBlog : Zogby Poll Shows Americans … Hello just to Me links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…reacting to a new health care poll conducted by Zogby International in conjunction with the Un iversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston . Here is the original: The American Spectator : AmSpecBlog : Zogby Poll Shows Americans … tags: companion-data, health insurance, insurance, morning, science, science-center, texas, texas-health, university | Insurance Companies Can't Justify These Jaked…

Pingback| 2.17.10 @ 2:44PM

Pondering Polls and Predicting Strategy – Blog Watch links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…to a Zogby/University of Texas Health Science Center poll that found a majority of Americans polled think Congressional leaders should “start over” on a health overhaul bill. The American Spectator’s Philip Klein thinks the poll suggests that Americans are unwilling to make certain trade-offs for their health priorities: “Americans like some of the individual components of the…

Pingback| 2.17.10 @ 7:40PM

People Love Health Care Reform’s Benefits As Long As They Don’t Have to Pay For Them links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Republicans are demanding and what President Barack Obama insists he will not do. Of course, it’s not clear what sort of revised and resubmitted reform plan Americans would support. As Philip Klein says, the public favors all sorts of health care benefits but isn’t interested in any of the usual wayshigher taxes, changes to Medicareto pay for them. You could make the Weisbergian point thatthis…

Pingback| 2.17.10 @ 10:45PM

People Love Health Care Reform’s Benefits As Long As They Don’t Have to Pay For Them links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Republicans are demanding and what President Barack Obama insists he will not do. Of course, it’s not clear what sort of revised and resubmitted reform plan Americans would support. As Philip Klein says, the public favors all sorts of health care benefits but isn’t interested in any of the usual wayshigher taxes, changes to Medicareto pay for them. You could make the Weisbergian point thatthis…

Pingback| 2.17.10 @ 10:47PM

People Love Health Care Reform’s Benefits As Long As They Don’t Have to Pay For Them links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Republicans are demanding and what President Barack Obama insists he will not do. Of course, it’s not clear what sort of revised and resubmitted reform plan Americans would support. As Philip Klein says, the public favors all sorts of health care benefits but isn’t interested in any of the usual wayshigher taxes, changes to Medicareto pay for them. You could make the Weisbergian point thatthis…

Pingback| 2.17.10 @ 10:50PM

People Love Health Care Reform’s Benefits As Long As They Don’t Have to Pay For Them links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Republicans are demanding and what President Barack Obama insists he will not do. Of course, it’s not clear what sort of revised and resubmitted reform plan Americans would support. As Philip Klein says, the public favors all sorts of health care benefits but isn’t interested in any of the usual wayshigher taxes, changes to Medicareto pay for them. You could make the Weisbergian point thatthis…

Pingback| 2.18.10 @ 12:04AM

Poll: Americans Say Start Over on Health Care — By: Daniel Foster - www.vacau.com - links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…— they expressed resistance to increased taxes, Medicare cuts, and the individual mandate. AmSpec’s Philip Klein, who sat on a panel discussing the poll results this morning, has more here. Read More… [Source: The Corner on National Review Online ] Chat with Oracle Broadcasting and 12160.org Your not alone. Join Us. Enter your email address: Delivered by FeedBurner Tags Afghanistan…

Pingback| 2.22.10 @ 11:09AM

Showdown Time: Obama’s Health Care Plan… Congress, Like It or Lump It… 78% of Americ links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…out the plan they want to pass four days in advance,” he said on Fox, “What are we discussing on Thursday?” Additional reading: Philip Klein, American Spectator, Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody Gateway Pundit: Pelosi Aide Admits Bipartisan Health Care Summit Is a Trick and Obama Tells Democrats They Must “Finish the Job” & Ram Health Care Through Congress…

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Graffiti’s on the Wall: Consumer Confidence Drops to Lowest Since April 2009, Bill C links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…politics is local. It’s not.” However, Davis noted that changes in jobs or the war could alter his opinion. Additional reading: Philip Klein, American Spectator, Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody Robbing America: Democrats Committing Suicide Flopping Aces: Old Wine in New Bottles Still Tastes Like Vinegar: Obama Unveils Health Plan! Gateway Pundit: Glenn Beck…

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… Additional reading: Michelle Malkin: Lights! Cameras! Health care Oba-kabuki!; Update: WH excludes governors, state legislators Philip Klein, American Spectator, Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody Flopping Aces: Obama Continues to Push Helaht Care When Country Needs Jobs and Old Wine in New Bottles Still Tastes Like Vinegar: Obama Unveils Health Plan! Gateway…

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…Health care Oba-kabuki!; Update: WH excludes governors, state legislators Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion: Now is not the time for weakness Philip Klein, American Spectator, Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody Flopping Aces: Obama Continues to Push Health Care When Country Needs Jobs and Old Wine in New Bottles Still Tastes Like Vinegar: Obama Unveils Health Plan! Frugal Café…

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…Hey, How Does Spending Another Trillion Dollars Grab You? and Can the Democrats Push Through Health Care Using Reconciliation? Philip Klein, American Spectator: Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody Peter Ferrara, American Spectator: Too Many Democrats in Washington Don Loos, Big Government: 21.1 Million Reasons Big Labor Pours Money into ObamaCare Robbing America:…

Pingback| 2.26.10 @ 12:09AM

Radio Gold: Glenn Beck & Pat Gray Act Out Letters that Obama Reads Every Night (audi links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Pontifications: “Because I’m the President” and ObamaCare Revealed: Hey, How Does Spending Another Trillion Dollars Grab You? Philip Klein, American Spectator: Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody Categories: Entertainment, Celebrities, Government, Health, Media & Communication, Social and Political Climate, Videos, Audio Files Tags: Barack Obama, Congress,…

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If Looks Could Kill: Obama’s Face During Rep. Paul Ryan’s Dismantling of Dems’ Healt links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Obama Gets Schooled and “Because I’m the President” and ObamaCare Revealed: Hey, How Does Spending Another Trillion Dollars Grab You? Philip Klein, American Spectator: Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody Don Loos, Big Government: 21.1 Million Reasons Big Labor Pours Money into ObamaCare Robbing America: Democrats Committing Suicide Categories: Government, Health, Media…

Pingback| 2.27.10 @ 5:33AM

More Aggravating Ramblings at Health Care Summit from Our “Mouth in Chief” on His Co links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Theatre GayPatriot: Will Paul Ryan’s statement (that government doesn’t have the answers) come to define the boring health care summit? Philip Klein, American Spectator: Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody Weasel Zippers: Obama Picked His Nose During Health Care Summit… Kyle-Anne Shiver, Big Government: Hidden Healthcare Reform Objective: Feds Want to Know Your…

Pingback| 2.28.10 @ 9:15PM

Weekend Music Video: The Censored “Obama – Building a Religion” Video « Frugal Café links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Schooled and “Because I’m the President” No Sheeples Here: Totally Unnecessary “Nugget” From The Blair House Kabuki Political Theatre Philip Klein, American Spectator: Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody Weasel Zippers: Obama Picked His Nose During Health Care Summit… Lachlan Markay, NewsBusters: MSNBC’s Norah O’Donnell Bungles the Facts in…

Pingback| 3.1.10 @ 3:06PM

Dems Itching to Power-Ram ObamaCare Through & Ignore American Voters… Queen Pelosi S links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

Dems Itching to Power-Ram ObamaCare Through & Ignore American Voters… Queen Pelosi Says “Time Is Up” but Rep. Paul Ryan Says She Doesn’t Have the Votes (video) « Frugal Café Blog Zone Frugal Café Blog Zone…

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Scapegoat Weather: White House Blames Rising US Unemployment Numbers in February on links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…weather hasn’t been blamed on George W. Bush by Team Obama… but perhaps I’m speaking in haste. Additional reading: Philip Klein, American Spectator, Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody Gateway Pundit: Radical Left Wants Sen. Bunning Ousted From Baseball Hall of Fame For Opposing Unemployment Benefits and Worst. Congress. Ever. Posts 10% Approval…

Pingback| 3.2.10 @ 2:57PM

“Reconcilliation” vs. New Term “Simple Majority”: Dems Resorting to Word Games, Buff links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…to define the boring health care summit? No Sheeples Here: Totally Unnecessary “Nugget” From The Blair House Kabuki Political Theatre Philip Klein, American Spectator: Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody Weasel Zippers: Obama Picked His Nose During Health Care Summit… Another Black Conservative: ObamaCare 3.0? and Let the games begin Categories: Economy,…

Pingback| 3.4.10 @ 8:37PM

Rush Limbaugh Applauds Rep. Paul Ryan: Decries Cynical Dem Gimmicks & Says “ObamaCar links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…President” Lachlan Markay, NewsBusters: MSNBC’s Norah O’Donnell Bungles the Facts in ‘Truth-squadding’ Attempt Philip Klein, American Spectator: Zogby Poll Shows Americans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes to Insure Everybody Michelle Malkin: Blowhard-a-thon at Blair House: Health care summit open thread; Update: Alexander calls out Dems on reconciliation; Obama to McCain: “We’re not…

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janr| 5.1.10 @ 12:00PM

Exile on Mainstream Clinging to the politics of sanity, one synapse at a time Subscribe via RSS Home About 17Feb/10 0 Maybe they do miss Bush, after all Philip Klein of the American Spectator highlights a Zogby poll that gets to the rub of the Obamacare debate: For instance, asked how much money in higher taxes they’d be willing to pay so that everybody can gain health coverage, the most… badge games

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Jen | 11.24.10 @ 6:18AM

With such a strong opposition to the health care bill, then maybe its a sign that Congress should start over?

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Lundrim| 12.27.10 @ 8:10PM

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xoeve| 10.5.11 @ 11:02AM

If the proposed overhaul; that is, takeover of healthcare by the democrats is so great, why did the politicians trying to shove it down our throats exempt themselves from it?

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George Herbert Walker| 2.16.10 @ 8:46PM

arm hair removal | 12.13.10 @ 3:33PM

martin j smith| 2.17.10 @ 8:14AM

JmsA| 2.17.10 @ 11:11AM

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Lundrim| 12.27.10 @ 8:10PM

xoeve| 10.5.11 @ 11:02AM

good| 12.16.11 @ 4:02AM

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