The new CBS/New York Times poll not only shows overwhelming support for the public option -- it shows that a plurality of self-identified Republicans are for it, too.
The poll asked this question: "Would you favor or oppose the government offering everyone a government administered health insurance plan -- something like the Medicare coverage that people 65 and older get -- that would compete with private health insurance plans?"
The top-line result is 65% in favor, 26% opposed. Among Democrats only, it's 81%-12%, and independents are at 61%-30%. And among Republican respondents, 47% are in favor, to 42% opposed.
Unfortunately, we have our valiant protectors of the health insurance industry like Kent Conrad, not to mention the brigade of Senate Republicans that refuse to bend to reality, running this freakshow. These guys have no clue. Period.
6:07 Update: The Senate Finance, in all their infinite wisdom, was supposed to debate separate public option amendments to the health bill from Jay Rockefeller and Chuck Schumer. That's been delayed for Tuesday. Jane Hamsher gives us an update on the prospects that such a sane move has in the committee. Looks like a few noncommittal Democrats will have to do some soul-searching this weekend. (I'm looking at you Blanche Lincoln.)
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