Poll: few believe ‘death panel’ claim

Only 11% of Americans believe the claim that healthcare reform will lead to “death panels,” a new Research 2000 poll finds.

But there’s a striking partisan divide in the poll’s results. For example, 26% of Republicans believe the “death panel” claim, and another 31% say they aren’t sure.

On the other hand, just 5% of Democrats and 8% of independents buy the “death panel argument,” and just 7% and 16%, respectively, are unsure.

So put it this way: 57% of Republicans are at least somewhat persuaded by the death panel argument, compared to 12% of Democrats and 24% of independents.

The poll also found a partisan divide when it comes to interpreting a “public plan.” Here’s the question Research 2000 asked:

QUESTION: Which of the following do you consider to be the most accurate reflection of the health care reform plan being considered by President Obama and Congress? (ROTATED): A government take over the entire health care system OR The government will provide a non-profit health insurance option to compete with private firms.

74% of Democrats chose the “non-profit health insurance” answer, while 60% of Republicans chose “government takeover.”

The poll was sponsored by the liberal blog Daily Kos, and has a margin of error of +/- 2%