Poll: Health Reform Supporters Are Closing The 'Intensity Gap'

A new ABC/Washington Post poll has some mixed news for public opinion on health care reform, but does show a positive sign for reformers in a narrowing of the intensity gap.

A lot of this all depends on how the question is asked. To start off, 46% of Americans approve of the health care proposals before Congress, with 48% opposed, compared to a 45%-50% gap last month. the poll also has 30% strongly approving, and 36% strongly disapproving, compared to a wider 27%-40% intensity gap last month.

Somewhat paradoxically, this poll finds a majority favoring the public option -- but overall support for health care reform goes up if it's taken out.

The poll asks this question: "Would you support or oppose having the government create a new health insurance plan to compete with private health insurance plans? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?" The poll finds 55% in favor to 42% against, with 33% strongly in favor to 31% strongly opposed.

On the other hand: "Say health care reform does NOT include the option of a government-sponsored health plan - in that case would you support or oppose the rest of the proposed changes to the health care system being developed by (Congress) and (the Obama administration)?"

The answer: Support 50%, Oppose 42% -- up from the original 46%-48% gap.