POLITICS - Majorities of EVERY Demographic Group Oppose Ryan's Medicare Phase Out Plan

"Poll: Conservatives And Republicans Oppose Ryan Budget" by Evan McMorris-Santoro, TPM 6/1/2011

More evidence that Republicans are following Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) down a dark path when it comes to Medicare: a new CNN poll (opens in new page) shows not even self-identified conservatives are in favor of Ryan's scheme.

Like most recent polls, the CNN survey shows a vast majority of respondents less than thrilled with Ryan's plan to end Medicare and replace it with a voucher system. Just 35% say they support it, while 58% say they oppose it. The majority stands opposed to Ryan's plan across all demographic groups, including Republicans.

Among conservatives, 54% are opposed. Among current seniors -- who would not be affected by the changes in the Ryan Medicare plan -- a full 74% are opposed, even after they're told that Ryan's plan affects Americans 55 years of age and younger.

Even Republicans break against Ryan's plan, though only slightly. Fifty percent oppose the plan, while 48% support it.

The new CNN poll comes on the heels of numbers from Democratic allies showing similar opposition to Ryan's plan as well as hints that the continuing fight over the Republican Medicare proposal could be giving a boost to Democrats and President Obama.

The same holds true in the CNN poll. "For the first time since they won back control of the House last November, the number of Americans who say that Republican control of the chamber is good for the country has dropped below the 50 percent mark," notes the CNN analysis.

CNN polled around 1,000 Americans May 24-26. The margin of error is 3%.