Poll: Even Split on Health Care

The public is split right down the middle on health care reform, but opposition has eased somewhat, and reform supporters are closing the “enthusiasm gap,” according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. Right now 46% say they support Democratic plans, while 48% oppose them. But the number who “strongly” support them has risen to 32% since mid-August.

The public’s view on the public option, meanwhile, is complicated. A 55% majority likes the idea. But if it were dropped from the bill, support for the overall effort would swing to 50% for, and 42% opposed. Ditching the public option also wouldn’t hurt Obama much with his base—support among liberal Democrats would fall from 88% to 81%. (More health care reform stories.)