That's what you'd conclude from the New York Times' headline this morning. What it's really about is confusion but confidence in the president. The confusion is undoubtedly a result of Republicans' efforts in town halls and on the streets to confuse and dismay. As a result, the Republicans are even more unpopular.
Mr. Obama is going into the fall having retained considerable political strength. At 56 percent, his approval rating is down from earlier in the year but still reasonably strong at this point compared with recent presidents. More Americans are starting to credit his stimulus plan with having helped to revive the economy. And Mr. Obama retains a decided advantage with the American public over Republicans on prominent issues, starting with health care.
People are confused about the administration's health care plan BUT:
Mr. Obama is in a decidedly more commanding position than Republicans on this issue as Congressional negotiations move into final stages. Most Americans trust Mr. Obama more than Republicans to make the right decisions on the issue; 76 percent said Republicans had not even laid out a clear health care plan.
There's declining support for the administration's handling of the Afghanistan mess, unfinished business passed on by the previous administration. But there is a plus and perhaps a surprise.
A majority of Americans do not want troops there for more than two years.
So here's the Times' bottom line in its contention that the public is "wary of Obama on war and health":
Americans still trust Mr. Obama and seem willing to follow him, particularly in contrast to Republicans. But he is not quite the commanding figure he was in the spring, and his policies do not enjoy the support they once did.At 56 percent, Mr. Obama’s job approval rating is similar to what President Ronald Reagan’s was at this point in his first term (53 percent); President Bill Clinton’s was at 43 percent.
Even a certain political party in Congress is doing fine.
Just 30 percent said they had a favorable view of Republicans in Congress. By contrast, 47 percent said they had a favorable view of Congressional Democrats.
Does Obama, reading this report in the Times this morning, see the public becoming "wary" of him. I guess not -- in spite of the report's headline. Looks like even the health care proposals, however confusing they may be, are being followed with optimism. Below the fold, we find that the public option is still "on the table" as far as most Americans are concerned.
Check this out.
On one of the most contentious issues in the health care debate — whether to establish a government-run health insurance plan as an alternative to private insurers — nearly two-thirds of the country continues to favor the proposal, which is backed by Mr. Obama but has drawn intense fire from most Republicans and some moderate Democrats.
Take that final paragraph, reprint using 24 pt, and rub it in the faces of all the blue dogs you can find, please.
