Opinions turn favorable on health care plan

By Susan Page, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — Americans by 9 percentage points have a favorable view of
the health care overhaul that President Obama signed into law Tuesday, a
USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds, **a notable turnaround** from surveys
before the vote that showed a plurality against it.

By 49%-40% those surveyed say it was "a good thing" rather than a bad
one that Congress passed the bill. Half describe their reaction in
positive terms, as "enthusiastic" or "pleased," while about four in 10
describe it in negative ways, as "disappointed" or "angry."

The largest single group, 48%, calls the bill "a good first step" that
should be followed by more action on health care. An additional 4% also
have a favorable view, saying the bill makes the most important changes
needed in the nation's health care system.

To be sure, the nation remains divided about the massive legislation
that narrowly passed the House late Sunday and was signed by Obama in an
emotional East Room ceremony Tuesday morning. The Senate began debate
Tuesday afternoon on a package of "fixes" demanded by the House.

The findings are encouraging for the White House and congressional
Democrats, who get higher ratings than congressional Republicans for
their work on the issue. The poll shows receptive terrain as the White
House and advocacy groups launch efforts to sell the plan, including a
trip by Obama to Iowa on Thursday.

No one gets overwhelmingly positive ratings on the issue, but Obama
fares the best: 46% say his work has been excellent or good; 31% call it
poor. Congressional Democrats get an even split: 32% call their efforts
good or excellent; 33% poor.

The standing of congressional Republicans is more negative. While 26%
rate their work on health care as good or excellent, a larger group,
34%, say it has been poor.