It Might Not Be Crazy, But It's Unpopular
One year ago this week, the White House held its first public meeting on health care. Since that time, public disapproval of Democrat health care proposals has steadily increased as Independents joined Republicans in opposition. Believing it is untenable to start over, the Democratic leadership has become wedded to the unpopular legislation, even if that means passing the final bill via reconciliation.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs defended the use of reconciliation, saying “I know in my household, 51% represents a majority viewpoint. I don’t think that’s a crazy concept here in America.” There might be differing opinions on the political sanity of this legislative tactic, but according to a Gallup survey, a solid majority of Americans disapprove of its use in passing health care reform, 52 to 39 percent.
Similar to public opinion on the proposals being debated, the intensity of those who strongly oppose reconciliation (25 percent) is more than double those who strongly support it (11 percent). By a 53 to 38 margin, Independents mirror the overall findings, and 1 in 4 Democrats do not support the path outlined by the White House and Democrats in Congress.
The Democrat leadership believes a legislative victory is what they need to finally garner voter approval, but if they pass a bill by reconciliation, they will remain at odds with public opinion which could derail their planned victory lap, just as the Cornhusker Kickback and the Louisiana Purchase did.
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