The new CBS/New York Times poll not only shows overwhelming support for the public option — it shows that a plurality of self-identified Republicans are for it, too.
The poll asked this question: “Would you favor or oppose the government offering everyone a government administered health insurance plan — something like the Medicare coverage that people 65 and older get — that would compete with private health insurance plans?”
The top-line result is 65% in favor, 26% opposed. Among Democrats only, it’s 81%-12%, and independents are at 61%-30%. And among Republican respondents, 47% are in favor, to 42% opposed.