Democrats Favored by Public on Health Issues, Poll Finds

Democrats are favored over Republicans by the public for health issues, despite "los[ing] their advantage" with voters in most other categories, a USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll indicates, USA Today reports (Benedetto, USA Today, 1/16). Researchers questioned 1,008 adults between Jan. 11 and Jan. 14, asking, "Do you think the Republican Party or the Democratic Party would do a better job handling each of the following issues?" Among the issues raised were three health care topics: Social Security and Medicare, a patients' bill of rights and prescription drug coverage for older Americans (USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll, 1/16). USA Today reports that respondents favored Democrats on Social Security and Medicare by a margin of 53% to 36%, on a patients' bill of rights by 54% to 32% and on prescription drug aid for seniors by 56% to 32%. On most other issues, such as defense and taxes, respondents favored Republicans (USA Today, 1/16).