Obamacare,  Polling

Poll Watch: Economy Ranked as Top Issue By Voters

Importance of issues

It is the economy, stupid – at least in the polls.

The economy once again takes the top spot on the list of 10 important issues among voters, but interest in health care has surged and is now at its highest level in nearly two years.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 84% see the economy as a very important issue, up three points from the end of May. Another 10% see the issue as somewhat important, while only two percent (2%) say it’s not important at all.

Sixty-seven percent (67%) of voters say health care is a very important issue, marking an 18-point jump from May and the highest level found since September 2007. It is now the third most important issue to voters after coming in seventh in the last poll.

Seventy-seven percent (77%) of Democrats say health care is very important, as do 64% of Republicans and 55% of voters not affiliated with either party.

But more Americans (49%) now oppose the health care reform plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats than favor it (46%).

Government ethics and corruption come in second again among voters this month, with 78% who say it is a very important issue, up two points from May.

Unaffiliated voters put government ethics and corruption at the top of their list of important issues last month. But it fell to second place behind the economy this month, although 72% still say it is a very important issue.

Social Security and national security are each seen as very important issues to 62% of voters this month, putting them in a tie for fourth on the list of 10 voter issues. The last poll saw a drop in importance on the issue of national security and the War on Terror.

What the poll does not reveal is why the increase in interest in the health care issue. Might it be because voters are afraid the economy will force their employers to reduce or eliminate coverage? They are supportive or object to Obamacare?

In any case, the Obama Administration is being defined by the economy and all of the rest is peripheral.


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