CNN Poll: Americans split on Obama proposals
Posted: October 21st, 2009 12:30 PM ET

Americans are split right down the middle over President Barack Obama's health care reform proposals.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Americans are split right down the middle over President Barack Obama's health care reform proposals, according to a new national poll.

But the CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey indicates that a majority say it would be better to pass some sort of reform legislation than to leave the current health care system unchanged. And the poll, released Wednesday, is the second national survey this week to suggest growing support for the public option.

Forty-nine percent of people questioned in the poll say they favor the president's health care reform proposals, with an equal amount in opposition.

According to the survey, 61 percent favor a public health insurance option that would compete with private plans. That's a six-point increase in support since August.

The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll joins an ABC/Washington Post survey released Tuesday in indicating an increase in support for a government option.