Healthcare: Public Opinion Tide Turning?
Just one day after the historic healthcare bill was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, polls showed that legislative success has made an impact on public opinion.
According to a March 22 USA Today/Gallup poll, Americans’ emotional responses to the bill’s passage are more positive than negative — with 50 percent enthusiastic/pleased versus 42 percent angry/disappointed. This intial reaction is already more positive than recent public opinion about passing a healthcare bill.
Fear of the unknown can make a significant impact on public opinion. We wonder how many of those who voiced opposition to the healthcare legislation before the vote did so because they were uncertain about change. As support showed an uptick just one day after the vote, it seems that a sense of confidence and success has helped to build momentum with the public. People like good news, and may respond more positively when their leaders are energized. Perhaps some voters feel satisifed that Congress has made any progress, regardless of what it is. More on that in November!
A bit of PR advice for the White House if they want to continue to see these numbers improve. Now that the reform is law, the Obama administration should amp up its communication to correct misinformation and help people understand how the law will impact them. There is still so much confusion around the reform, and there is much work to be done to educate the nation.
The poll numbers indicate an interesting trend, that will be even more interesting to follow. As Americans actually experience changes to our healthcare, what do you think will happen to public opinion?
