Health Care Reform Now?

I woke up this morning thinking that the odds have to favor the President here. No matter that he and his party just have not made the case to the American people. Raw party politics can trump that. Then I saw his worst numbers yet coming from Rasmussen Reports, which while a nominally Republican-oriented firm, has a very good track record of accuracy no matter which way the political winds blow.

From polling posted today, Rasmussen Daily Presidential Tracking Poll, here are highlights:

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 22% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Forty-three percent (43%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -21. That matches the lowest Approval Index rating yet recorded for this President.

Forty-two percent (42%) of Democrats Strongly Approve while 72% of Republicans Strongly Disapprove. Among those not affiliated with either major political party, 17% Strongly Approve and 45% Strongly Disapprove. . .

Overall, 43% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the President's performance. That, too matches the lowest level yet recorded for this President. Fifty-six percent (56%) disapprove.

Rasmussen has noted that the President's popularity has bottomed several times after he has made a big push on health care, including last summer and then after his health care speech to Congress.

Is this worsening polling data enough to prevent party discipline and all the goodies that come with going with leadership enough to prevent the House from approving the Senate bill?

Much would appear to ride on the outcome both for America and for the economy.

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