Health Reform Law Polls – Does it Matter What the People Think? If so, How Much?

August 13, 2011 - Today, in the wake of Atlanta’s 11 Circuit Court’s 2:1 decision that Obamacare’s individual mandate is unconstitutional, Real Clear Politics ran a summary of recent and past polls of what the American public thought of the “Obama and Democrats’ health plan.”

Recent Polls

RCP Average, for, 38.8%, against, 50.6%, spread, + 11.6%

Rasmussen, for, 40%, against, 54%, spread, +14%

Associated Press, for, 36%, against, 46%, spread, 10%

CNN/Opinion Research, for, 39%, against, 56%, spread, +17%

Politico/GWU/Battleground, for, 42%, against,49%, spread, +7%

Past Polls

RCP then summarized all past national polls for and against the health law since its passage on 10/23/2010. The spread was the same, i.e. 11.8% more opposed than in favor.

Of the 265 polls,which included three ties, 241 (91%) opposed the health law, and 21 (9%) favored it.

The RCP report also included 100 commentaries and news stories on the Patient Protection and Affordability Act.

Questions

Does it matter what Americans think of the new law? Will this thinking influence the outcome of the November 2012 elections? Will the people's opinions and legal opinions about the constitutionality of the law slow or block implementation of the law?