NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2007

Poll: Most Back Dems In Kids' Health Fight

81 Percent Support Expanding S-CHIP, Including A Majority Of Republicans

  • Photo

     (AP / CBS)

  • Play CBS Video Video Notebook: SCHIP

    Katie Couric says that the costs of not covering children's health under SCHIP are higher than those of the bill vetoed by President Bush. She says it's time for lawmakers to work out a compromise.

  • Fast Facts At A Glance: SCHIP

    A look at the State Children's Health Insurance Program and the bill vetoed by President Bush.

(CBS)  As Democrats try to rally support to override President Bush's veto, a CBS News poll finds an overwhelming majority of Americans support legislation that would expand a popular children's health insurance program.

Eight in 10 Americans favor expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or S-CHIP, including large majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.

While the president has raised concerns about the additional cost of expanding S-CHIP, those who favor the proposal say they'd even be willing to pay more in taxes to help the program cover more children.

More generally, the poll finds that only about one in five Americans (22 percent) approve of the president’s handling of health care. That's lower even than his approval rating on Iraq (26 percent).

WOULD YOU FAVOR OR OPPOSE EXPANDING S-CHIP?

Favor
81%
Oppose
15%

WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO PAY MORE TAXES TO EXPAND S-CHIP? (Among those who favor expanding S-CHIP)

Yes
74%
No
17%

Mr. Bush's overall approval rating remains at 30 percent, slightly above the 27 percent approval for Congress.

While the showdown over S-CHIP doesn't appear to have given a boost to the president or the Congress, it may have helped push health care to the forefront of the 2008 presidential campaign.

Health care now ranks second - nearly equal with the war in Iraq - as the issue voters most want to hear the presidential contenders discuss. Jobs and the economy ranks third.

On other issues, the poll finds:

  • Nearly two-thirds of Americans (63 percent) continue to believe the war is going badly. A large majority also want troops out of Iraq within the next few years, though most don’t think that's likely to happen.

  • Americans are divided in assessing the condition of the national economy: half say it’s good and half say it’s bad. When looking ahead, however, 45 percent say the economy is getting worse, while only 9 percent say it's getting better

  • Americans remain concerned about the financial condition of Social Security as the oldest baby-boomers start to collect their first checks. Thirty percent say the system is in crisis, and another 36 percent say it's in serious financial trouble. Just 5 percent say the system is not in trouble.

    Read the complete poll results here.

    This poll was conducted among a random sample of 1282 adults nationwide, interviewed by telephone October 12-16, 2007. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus three percentage points. The error for subgroups is higher.


    © MMVII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Add a Comment See all 323 Comments
    by condumism October 17, 2007 6:37 PM PDT
    Once again, GOPigs on the wrong side of everything that Americans want in their lives. A record 66 percent now say the USA is clearly headed in the WRONG DIRECTION! Here are the NEOCON Senators up for reelection in 2008 that support Big Tobacco, who''s unregulated cigarettes kills 1200 American''s daily. And, these same bought and paid for Neocons vote against stem cell research:

    Alexander, Lamar- (R - TN)
    Allard, Wayne- (R - CO)
    Chambliss, Saxby- (R - GA)
    Cochran, Thad- (R - MS)
    Cornyn, John- (R - TX)
    Craig, Larry E.- (R - ID)
    Dole, Elizabeth- (R - NC)
    Dominici, Pete- (R - NM)
    Enzi, Michael B.- (R - WY)
    Graham, Lindsey- (R - SC)
    Inhofe, James M.- (R - OK)
    McConnell, Mitch- (R - KY)
    Roberts, Pat- (R - KS)
    Sessions, Jeff- (R - AL
    Stevens, Ted- (R - AK)
    Warner, John- (R - VA)

    The only lower life form in the USA other than a smoker is a NEOCON Republicon elected to public office that supports BIG TOBACCO!
    Reply to this comment
    by guysdigdirt October 17, 2007 6:48 PM PDT
    ConDumism,
    What a closed minded, short- sighted, inbred sorry excuse for a human you are.

    You do not even know what the entire scope of the issue is. It is not that someone who votes against this is against what Americans want, it is that they have knowledge you do not.

    If you settle for something that is OK you will not pursue what is good or great. Those who voted against this want it done right, not half a$$ as the Dems want it done. The Dems just want to be able to say they did something, even though it is done wrong!!! So get an education, turn off the tube and know what you are talking about before you open your trap.
    Reply to this comment
    by tejasdemo October 17, 2007 6:52 PM PDT
    Republicans are immoral.
    Reply to this comment
    by smirk5 October 17, 2007 6:53 PM PDT
    Republicans are just out of touch. 2008 will bring them around. You can''t run against the American people forever.
    Reply to this comment
    by pakaal October 17, 2007 6:54 PM PDT
    Wait, so the GOP smear campaign against the 12 year old and the 3 year old didn''t convince Americans that insuring 10 million kids is a terrible thing? Go figure.
    Reply to this comment
    by usayesterday October 17, 2007 6:55 PM PDT
    Clearly Bush has acted only for the interest of the special interests. Every bill he has signed, every piece of legislation he has supported, every budget he has proposed...

    ...all for an elite few and little (if any) for the American people.

    Sadly, many people are too illiterate to realize this.

    Regardless of polls and the wishes of the American people, if the legislation does not benefit Bush''s elite buddies, Bush will not support it in any way.
    Reply to this comment
    by ikez78 October 17, 2007 6:59 PM PDT
    In your neverending DNC campaign you''ve gotten it wrong and perverted the subject once again CBS.

    Do you honestly believe that most of the public even has any idea what this bill is about other than the pathetic liberal talking point that CBS puts out that it''s "for the kids?" What a bunch of BS, honestly.

    This thing is the first step for universal health care and grossly expands the current program though noone would know that from watching CBS, the one sided DNC parrots that you are.

    Start reporting news and both sides of topics and quit just parroting DNC talking points. It''s hardly funny or convincing any longer.
    Reply to this comment
    by canyoutellme-2009 October 17, 2007 7:05 PM PDT
    For those of you who want to see the FACTS behind the bill that Bush vetoed, please check with factcheck.org

    Here''s the full link (it''ll be broken up by the CBS posting)

    http://www.factcheck.org/bushs_false_claims_about_childrens_health_insurance.html

    Read it in full. You''ll find that Bush is full of it AS USUAL and it''s all layed out there for anyone to see. ANyone who thinks the expansion of this program is bad needs to get their head examined.. oh wait, probably can''t because they don''t have health care to do the examination!

    Reply to this comment
    by condumism October 17, 2007 7:05 PM PDT
    guysdigdirt

    You are a complete ignoramous, trying to glorify the failings of the worst presdent in US history. And you have the gall to come in here spewing the same old garbage that eminates from your obstructionist Republicon Party? YOU try turning off the tube because you sound no different than one of those Fascists on the FOX Infotainment (GOP PROPOGANDA) channel. Since you are a confirmed ConDumb, you hate this legislation because as any Republicon you hate paying your taxes. Just wait until we have universal health care in the USA. You and your greedy peers will keep emergency rooms throughout America swamped with new heart attack victims for WEEKS, which would be the best thing that could happen in the USA! Have a nice, greed filled night!
    Reply to this comment
    by canyoutellme-2009 October 17, 2007 7:07 PM PDT
    ikez78, just read the factcheck.org article I posted. It will show that it is YOU who is full of it and the Dems actually have it right on this...
    Reply to this comment
    by standlee5 October 17, 2007 7:07 PM PDT
    Well so much for upgrading infrastructure. This is going to cost a fortune. Get ready for a huge tax increase because tobacco can''t cover it all.
    Reply to this comment
    by rohink-2009 October 17, 2007 7:07 PM PDT
    Posted by ikez78

    ~~~~~~~~~~~

    I second that!
    Reply to this comment
    by tburzio October 17, 2007 7:07 PM PDT
    The worst president of all time is Jimmy Carter, with a close second in JFK.
    Reply to this comment
    by micma-2009 October 17, 2007 7:08 PM PDT



    Republican logic:


    There''s always plenty of money for Halliburton, Exxon and war on Iraq.

    There''s never enough money to help the children of the working poor to get health care.

    Why do Republicans hate children?


    Reply to this comment
    by micma-2009 October 17, 2007 7:11 PM PDT


    Republican logic:

    Total U.S. government paid health care for all Iraqis is a very good idea.

    Government subsidised health care for the children of the working poor here at home is a very bad idea.




    Why do Republicans hate children?



    Reply to this comment
    by jn4ggs October 17, 2007 7:13 PM PDT
    "This thing is the first step for universal health care and grossly expands the current program though noone would know that from watching CBS, the one sided DNC parrots that you are."

    its a step toward universal healthcare, you say that as if it is a bad thing. everyone knows that, thats why 80% want it. noone is being tricked into wanting poor kids to not die from infected cavaties.

    you truly have a twisted view of the world.
    Reply to this comment
    by sgtrds October 17, 2007 7:14 PM PDT
    Bush doesn''t care about the children of the poor or middle class. He is an elitist pig who was rasied to be one by his elist pig motther and who looks at anyone outside of his rich upper class as some sort of worker ants whose only job is to support the rich and to die in wars that make them even richer. He just does not care.
    Reply to this comment
    by canyoutellme-2009 October 17, 2007 7:14 PM PDT
    Since my original post will scroll off the page, here''s the factcheck.org link regarding details of what Bush vetoed. Bush is flat out wrong on this

    ==============================

    For those of you who want to see the FACTS behind the bill that Bush vetoed, please check with factcheck.org

    Here''''s the full link (it''ll be broken up by the CBS posting)

    http://www.factcheck.org/bus
    hs_false_claims_about_childrens_health_i
    nsurance.html

    Read it in full. You''ll find that Bush is full of it AS USUAL and it''''s all laid out there for anyone to see. ANyone who thinks the expansion of this program is bad needs to get their head examined.. oh wait, probably can''t because they don''t have health care to do the examination!


    Reply to this comment
    by condumism October 17, 2007 7:15 PM PDT
    Posted by tburzio
    The worst president of all time is Jimmy Carter, with a close second in JFK.

    IN the minds of most, Ronald Reagan was one of the worst presidents in US history, until now that is! We can''t wait for one of your GOPigs running for president tries to emulate old Ronnie Reagan. We are ready to undo the lies that have followed this lying GOPig Reagan for years now. Reagan even stole the attacks that Jimmy Carter began against the former Soviets.
    Reply to this comment
    by standlee5 October 17, 2007 7:18 PM PDT
    There is no end to this and it''s really not right to have it shoved down our throats without a broader discussion. This has the potential to be an enormous entitlement program. They''ll have to cut back on Medcicare because this is going to cost a bloody fortune.
    Reply to this comment
    by iceman_1960 October 17, 2007 7:18 PM PDT
    Where is this "Bush surge" that donlb1 was taking about this morning ?

    I must have missed it.
    Reply to this comment
    by shothelite October 17, 2007 7:18 PM PDT
    I wonder how many of those folks know that the Dem''s plan would allow people who make 80k per year to qualify for taxpayer health care in this bill?

    The Polls lie. Omission is a lie. CBS promotes it.

    We should all be disgusted with lying news media coverage. Its political, not journalistic. Flush the story, flush the poll.
    Reply to this comment
    by canyoutellme-2009 October 17, 2007 7:19 PM PDT
    There is no end to this and it''''s really not right to have it shoved down our throats without a broader discussion. This has the potential to be an enormous entitlement program. They''''ll have to cut back on Medcicare because this is going to cost a bloody fortune.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Posted by standlee5 at 07:18 PM : Oct 17, 2007
    + report abuse
    ======================================

    That is patently false. 35B is not a huge amount in comparison to many other programs the gov''t is running. So are you OK with spending 190 B dollars in the next installment in the Iraq war for just ONE quarter? or 35 billion over 5 years? This would NOT create a big tax increase... it would be negligible at best.

    Read the Factcheck.org link i posted as well so you can become educated
    Reply to this comment
    by standlee5 October 17, 2007 7:21 PM PDT
    This poll sounds bogus. Middle class people should be able to figure out the healthcare issue by themselves. Let''s bring back vaccinations in schools anything is better than this blank check entitlement.
    Reply to this comment
    by canyoutellme-2009 October 17, 2007 7:21 PM PDT
    I wonder how many of those folks know that the Dem''''s plan would allow people who make 80k per year to qualify for taxpayer health care in this bill?

    The Polls lie. Omission is a lie. CBS promotes it.

    We should all be disgusted with lying news media coverage. Its political, not journalistic. Flush the story, flush the poll.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Posted by shothelite at 07:18 PM : Oct 17, 2007
    + report abuse
    ============================================

    The one lying here is you and the rest of the Cons who are fighting this bill who continually to pursue the 80K thing. PLEASE read the factcheck.org which clearly spells out this MYTH that you''re professing.

    Reply to this comment
    by iceman_1960 October 17, 2007 7:22 PM PDT
    "This thing is the first step for universal health care"
    - Posted by ikez78 at 06:59 PM : Oct 17, 2007

    You mean, the first step toward socialized medicine ?

    Everybody in their right mind wants universal health care.

    And George W. Bush wants it too.


    Reply to this comment
    by one_american October 17, 2007 7:22 PM PDT
    "Poll: Most Back Dems In Kids'' Health Fight"

    Question: How do you know when the liberal press is lying?

    Answer: Whenever they resort to "polls" trying to sway public opinion.

    It''s not going to work, CBS.

    Just like the New York Times, CBS is plodding down the path to its own extinction.
    Reply to this comment
    by standlee5 October 17, 2007 7:22 PM PDT
    That''s the tip of athe iceberg. Absolutely no reason to believe this won''t cost a fortune.
    Reply to this comment
    by canyoutellme-2009 October 17, 2007 7:22 PM PDT
    Since my original post will scroll off the page, here''s the factcheck.org link regarding details of what Bush vetoed. Bush is flat out wrong on this

    ==============================


    For those of you who want to see the FACTS behind the bill that Bush vetoed, please check with factcheck.org

    Here''s the full link (it''ll be broken up by the CBS posting)

    http://www.factcheck.org/bus

    hs_false_claims_about_childrens_health
    _i
    nsurance.html

    Read it in full. You''ll find that Bush is full of it AS USUAL and it''s all laid out there for anyone to see. ANyone who thinks the expansion of this program is bad needs to get their head examined.. oh wait, probably can''t because they don''t have health care to do the examination!

    Reply to this comment
    by sgtrds October 17, 2007 7:23 PM PDT
    IN the minds of most, Ronald Reagan was one of the worst presidents in US history, until now that is!
    Posted by ConDumism at 07:15 PM : Oct 17, 2007

    Worst to first in recent history. Bush (the current) worst by far. Then Reagan, Nixon and the first Bush. Best are FDR, Clinton, JFK, Truman, Johnson, Carter, Eisenhower and Ford.
    Reply to this comment
    by standlee5 October 17, 2007 7:23 PM PDT
    No, I don''t want universal health care I love the healthcare I have. I pay a lot for it and I have the best.
    Reply to this comment
    by canyoutellme-2009 October 17, 2007 7:24 PM PDT
    IN the minds of most, Ronald Reagan was one of the worst presidents in US history, until now that is!
    Posted by ConDumism at 07:15 PM : Oct 17, 2007

    Worst to first in recent history. Bush (the current) worst by far. Then Reagan, Nixon and the first Bush. Best are FDR, Clinton, JFK, Truman, Johnson, Carter, Eisenhower and Ford.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Posted by SgtRDS at 07:23 PM : Oct 17, 2007
    + report abuse
    =============================

    While i may agree with you 90% of the time, this is the wrong forum for that discussion. Please, let''s stick to the topic at hand.

    Thank you

    Reply to this comment
    by standlee5 October 17, 2007 7:25 PM PDT
    I truly believe this is a skewed poll.
    Reply to this comment
    by canyoutellme-2009 October 17, 2007 7:25 PM PDT
    No, I don''''t want universal health care I love the healthcare I have. I pay a lot for it and I have the best.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Posted by standlee5 at 07:23 PM : Oct 17, 2007
    + report abuse
    ==============================

    Universal health care does not prevent you from paying for your own health care. This is yet another myth you republiCONs are spreading. You can still have your own insurance provider and your own doctors. Get with it!
    Reply to this comment
    by micma-2009 October 17, 2007 7:25 PM PDT



    Republican logic:

    Total U.S. government paid health care for every Iraqi is a very good idea.

    Government subsidized health care for the children of the poor and the working poor here at home is a very bad idea.




    Why do Republicans hate children?



    Reply to this comment
    by one_american October 17, 2007 7:26 PM PDT
    Lets see a show of hands:

    Who wants their taxes raised so that 20 million illegal aliens can have free medical coverage?

    Think about it. Is this what you want?
    Reply to this comment
    by iceman_1960 October 17, 2007 7:26 PM PDT
    "The Polls lie. Omission is a lie. CBS promotes it.

    We should all be disgusted with lying news media coverage. Its political, not journalistic. Flush the story, flush the poll."
    - Posted by shothelite at 07:18 PM : Oct 17, 2007

    The Conservative pollsters at Rasmussen confirm the opposition to Bush, though with closer numbers.

    http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/57_oppose_bush_veto_of_children_s_health_insurance_legislation
    Reply to this comment
    by canyoutellme-2009 October 17, 2007 7:26 PM PDT
    I truly believe this is a skewed poll.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Posted by standlee5 at 07:25 PM : Oct 17, 2007
    + report abuse
    ===========================

    Of course it is.. it is skewed in that most of America WANTS this and a very very very small minority of you do not. The results are skewed towards those in favor - which, BTW, INCLUDES republicans. Stop trying to debunk the poll, it won''t work.
    Reply to this comment
    by sgtrds October 17, 2007 7:27 PM PDT
    "This thing is the first step for universal health care"
    - Posted by ikez78 at 06:59 PM : Oct 17, 2007

    You mean, the first step toward socialized medicine ?

    Everybody in their right mind wants universal health care.

    And George W. Bush wants it too.

    Posted by Iceman_1960 at 07:22 PM : Oct 17, 2007

    I second that! we''re the only major industrialized nation that looks at health care as a benefit only for those who can afford it, rather then as a basic human right for all. Free, comprehensive health care is a right, just like life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The government owes it to it''s people every bit as much as it owe them protection for invasion with a military, protection from crime with a police force and protection from fires with a fire department. It is (or should be) thought of as a basic government service.
    Reply to this comment
    by one_american October 17, 2007 7:27 PM PDT
    Lets see a show of hands:

    Who wants their taxes raised so that 20 million illegal aliens can have free medical coverage?

    Think about it. Is this what you want?
    Reply to this comment
    by one_american October 17, 2007 7:27 PM PDT
    Lets see a show of hands:

    Who wants their taxes raised so that 20 million illegal aliens can have free medical coverage?

    Think about it. Is this what you want?
    Reply to this comment
    by one_american October 17, 2007 7:27 PM PDT
    Lets see a show of hands:

    Who wants their taxes raised so that 20 million illegal aliens can have free medical coverage?

    Think about it. Is this what you want?
    Reply to this comment
    by micma-2009 October 17, 2007 7:27 PM PDT


    Onereallydumb_American


    The money comes from a cigarette tax.


    Reply to this comment
    by canyoutellme-2009 October 17, 2007 7:28 PM PDT
    Lets see a show of hands:

    Who wants their taxes raised so that 20 million illegal aliens can have free medical coverage?

    Think about it. Is this what you want?


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Posted by One_American at 07:26 PM : Oct 17, 2007
    + report abuse
    =================================

    yet another myth you RepubliCONs are spreading. This is NOT about Illegal aliens one iota. It is about care for the citizens of this land. It is also specifically about the CHILDREN of those citizens. Your talk about 20 million illegal aliens is ludicrous.
    Reply to this comment
    by standlee5 October 17, 2007 7:28 PM PDT
    The program was originally for the working poor. Now it''s expanding to the middle class. This is an entitlement program in the making. So when does it end. How would this be an incentive for anyone to earn more.
    Reply to this comment
    by iceman_1960 October 17, 2007 7:28 PM PDT
    "Lets see a show of hands: Who wants their taxes raised so that 20 million illegal aliens can have free medical coverage? Think about it. Is this what you want?"
    - Posted by One_American at 07:26 PM : Oct 17, 2007

    20 million illegal aliens just raised their hands.
    Reply to this comment
    by canyoutellme-2009 October 17, 2007 7:29 PM PDT
    Since my original post will scroll off the page, here''s the factcheck.org link regarding details of what Bush vetoed. Bush is flat out wrong on this. Please read the factcheck.org site and then come back and dispute the FACTS please. Stop with the rhetoric you oppposers!

    ==============================



    For those of you who want to see the FACTS behind the bill that Bush vetoed, please check with factcheck.org

    Here''''s the full link (it''ll be broken up by the CBS posting)

    http://www.factcheck.org/bus


    hs_false_claims_about_childrens_heal
    th
    _i
    nsurance.html

    Read it in full. You''ll find that Bush is full of it AS USUAL and it''s all laid out there for anyone to see. ANyone who thinks the expansion of this program is bad needs to get their head examined.. oh wait, probably can''t because they don''t have health care to do the examination!
    Reply to this comment
    by one_american October 17, 2007 7:29 PM PDT
    "Your talk about 20 million illegal aliens is ludicrous."

    Posted by CANYOUTELLME at 07:28 PM : Oct 17, 2007

    If it is so, you should have no problem PROVING what you say...
    Reply to this comment
    by sgtrds October 17, 2007 7:29 PM PDT
    While i may agree with you 90% of the time, this is the wrong forum for that discussion. Please, let''''s stick to the topic at hand.

    Thank you

    Posted by CANYOUTELLME at 07:24 PM : Oct 17, 2007

    I disagree. The rankings of presidents has much to do with health care as it''s a prime factor on how well they are thought of.

    Besides I post as I dam*n well please. Thank you.
    Reply to this comment
    by standlee5 October 17, 2007 7:32 PM PDT
    Do homeowners qualify. Do those with huge 401ks and low earnings qualify. Whose income is used to determine eligibility. Do they analyze tax returns. How much will it cost to administer this huge expansive program. These are a few questions that need to be addressed
    Reply to this comment
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