2017 US Politics - Obamacare Takes Center Stage Again in Congress (October 18)

As Obamacare takes center stage again in Congress, healthcare remains a top concern for Americans. Topping the list of most important problem facing the U.S. today, healthcare (18%) is followed by terrorism (14%) and the economy (11%). Americans continue to be divided on their priorities along party lines, with one in five Democrats (21%) prioritizing healthcare, while more Republicans cite terrorism as their top issue (17%).  

In the latest ‘Wh-Exit’ poll, where Americans predict the next White House or Executive Branch staff member to resign or be terminated, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson tops the list for the second week in a row (19%). Tillerson is trailed by Attorney General Jeff Sessions (12%) and Chief of Staff John Kelly (9%).

President Trump’s approval is now at 38%, virtually unchanged from 36% last week, with a slight bump in support from Independents (up six points to 35%). On specific attributes, Trump is seen as strongest on dealing with ISIS/ISIL (46%), employment and jobs (45%) and the US economy (44%). More Americans continue to disapprove of his actions related to corruption (36% approve), the environment (35%) and the way he treats people like me (35%). 

These are findings from an Ipsos poll conducted for Thomson Reuters October 13-17, 2017. For the survey, a sample of 1,678 Americans, including 708 Democrats, 584 Republicans, 217 Independents ages 18+ were interviewed online.