Speech Lifted Public Support for Obama On Health Care

According to a CBS poll released Friday, support for President Obama's handling of health care jumped 12 percent after he addressed the nation Wednesday night. CBS re-interviewed 678 adults who were first questioned about health care reform in late August. In the first poll, only 40 percent approved of the president's work on health care, while 47 percent disapproved. Asked again after they heard Obama's speech, 52 percent of the same adults approved, and disapproval had dropped to 38 percent. The speech was especially effective in unifying Democrats, 85 percent of whom now support the president.


Even if they support Obama's plans for reform, some respondents still felt that he has not explained it clearly. 43 percent -- one in four of those polled -- said they are still confused about the details.

Poll: Obama Speech Bouyed Public Support [CBS News]