A national poll by Quinnipiac University finds that 55 percent of voters believe the Affordable Care Act , while 36 percent say otherwise. By a 49-43 margin, the poll shows the majority of voters interviewed want a repeal.
Still, there’s a close 48-45 split with most people saying they agree with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding the law.
"President Barack Obama has worked mightily to avoid the 'T' word, but most American voters say the ACA is in effect a tax hike," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, in a press release. "The big question is whether the Republicans can sell the idea to voters that the president's Affordable Care Act breaks his promise not to raise taxes on those who make less than $250,000. That's why what voters believe on this issue matters."
The Supreme Court decision may have an effect this November for Obama and presidential hopeful Mitt Romney because 55 percent of American voters say a presidential candidate's position on health care is "extremely important" or "very important" to their vote.
The survey found 59 percent say the Supreme Court decision will not affect their vote, 27 percent say it will make them less likely to vote for Obama, while 12 percent say more likely. Independent voters say they are less likely to vote by 27 - 9 percent.
From July 1-8, surveyed 2,722 registered voters with a margin of error of 1.9 percentage points. Interviewers called land lines and cell phones.
The poll hit on a number of national issues, such as the contempt charges against U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Of the two-thirds who said they knew something about the vote, 44 percent supported it, while 29 percent were opposed and 27 percent undecided. The bulk of those polled – 42 percent – said the vote was political rather than legitimate.
Interviewees were asked how they think the U.S. economy is faring, and the perception is that it’s as bad as Europe. The survey showed 86 percent of people think the U.S. economy is “not so good” or “poor.” Europe fared better, with only 81 percent saying the same.
