These poll numbers were released earlier today by Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information."
41% View Town Hall Protesters Favorably, 35% Don't
Friday, August 7, 2009
Forty-one percent (41%) of U.S. voters have a favorable opinion of the people opposing health 
But 35% view the protesters unfavorably. Twenty-three percent (23%) are not sure what they think of them.
Given the partisan anger prompted by the town hall meetings, it's not surprising to see a similar divide in the survey. Fifty-five percent (55%) of Democrats have an unfavorable view of those opposing the health care reform plan proposed by President
Senior Democrats charge that many of the protests at the town hall meetings are orchestrated by special interests, but 49% of voters believe, generally speaking, that the protesting citizens are reflecting the concerns of their neighbors.
Thirty-seven percent (37%) think the protests are phony efforts drummed up by special interest groups and lobbyists. Fourteen percent (14%) are not sure.
The partisan divide is even wider when the motivations of the protesters are at issue. Seventy percent (70%) of Republicans and 58% of unaffiliated voters say the protesters reflect the concerns of their neighbors. Sixty-one percent (61%) of Democrats say the protests are phony.
Sixty-three percent (63%) of liberals say the protests are motivated by special interests, while 69% of conservatives say they're driven by local concerns.
Earlier this year, despite complaints from the White
Regardless of the motives behind the protests, however, voters overwhelmingly agree that the average congressman listens most to party leaders rather than the voters they represent - by a 73% to 14% margin. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided. These numbers remain virtually unchanged since April .
Rasmussen Reports will release new favorability ratings on Congress' performance at noon today EDT as the legislators recess until September.
Support for Republican congressional candidates has risen to its highest level in recent years, giving the GOP a modest lead over Democrats in the latest Generic Congressional Ballot and stretching the out-of-power party's lead to six weeks in a row.
Fifty-four percent (54%) of voters say tax cuts for the middle class are more important than new spending for health care reform , even as the president's top economic advisers signal that tax hikes may be necessary.
But 76% believe it is at least somewhat likely that taxes will have to be raised on the middle class to cover the cost of health care reform. Fifty-nine percent (59%) say it is very likely.
Forty-eight percent (48%) of voters now rate the U.S. health care
Americans are fairly evenly divided on the health care reform proposals working their way through Congress, but most remain convinced that the plans will raise costs and hurt the quality of the care they receive.
Seventy-five percent (75%) of voters say they have followed recent news stories about confrontations at town hall meetings conducted by members of Congress on health care reform, including 41% who say they have followed them very closely. Just four percent (4%) say they have not followed news reports about the confrontational meetings at all.
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To view the original report, please use this link: Is Obama Empowering Republicans?