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Politicians Can Use Polls to Refine their Message

11/9/2009, by Proloy Bhatta

HIGHLIGHTS

• Public option: Favor 51%, Oppose 43%.
• Privatized insurance co-operatives: Favor 57%, Oppose 35%.
• Basic patients' rights: Favor 75%, Oppose 17%.

Pollsters can massage the wording of a poll to get a more favorable response. And politicians can look at the poll results to refine their message.

For example, we have seen a multitude of health care questions being posed. Consider the following two hypothetical questions.

1. Do you support or oppose government reform of health care?
2. Do you support or oppose President Obama's plan for health care.

Response #1 would likely result in a higher support level than #2 because while you may support some type of government reform, you would not necessarily be in favor of Obama's plan. #2 is a subset of #1.

Now going onto my point about politicians refining their message.

Look at the actual results from a poll by Ipsos / McClatchy from 10/29-11/1.

"As of right now, do you favor or oppose the health care reform proposals presently being discussed?"

Oppose 49%, Favor 39%.

But if you were to poll these same people and ask them if they support or oppose the specifics, a majority would be in favor of each of them.

"Creation of a public entity to directly compete with existing health insurance companies."

Favor 51%, Oppose 43%.

"Legislation to permit the creation of insurance co-operatives NOT run by the government."

Favor 57%, Oppose 35%.

"Specific regulations to ensure basic patients' rights, such as portability of coverage."

Favor 75%, Oppose 17%.

Republicans have polled well when adults are asked about whether they support "increased taxes", "rationing of care", and the "public option taking over private insurance".

While the Democrats focus on the positive elements of the bill that Americans are in agreement, the Republicans focus on the perceived consequences of the bill.

This poll was conducted by Ipsos. If you want to be included in future polls they conduct, Join their I-Say program.

If you support some type of government reform of health care, the American Medical Association is requesting you to send a letter to your senator.

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