AARP Overnight Poll: 76% now say healthcare should be a priority this year

Poll of 522 people 45 years and older taken after President Obama's Sept. 9th speech to a joint session of Congress:

Before the speech 70% of respondents said they had at least some questions or concerns about what was being proposed by either party with regard to health care reform. This includes 77 percent of Independents.

After the speech:

• Of those who had questions and concerns prior to the address, nearly three-quarters said that their questions and concerns were talked about or addressed during the speech. This includes 72 percent of Independents.
  
  
• Nearly seven in ten of those who reported hearing their questions and concerns talked about or addressed said that they were supportive of the proposals being talked about related to health care. This includes 63 percent of Independents.
  
  
• For each political affiliation, a majority of respondents said that reform of the health care system should be a priority for political leaders to address in 2009. This includes 70 percent of Independents.
  
  
• 58% of Democrats and 85% of republicans had concerns before the speech. After the speech 88% of democrats and even 56% of Republicans said their concerns were addressed. Overall 73% said their concerns were addressed.
  
  
• 63% of independents are now supportive of the proposal put forth by the president, along with 43% of Republicans. Overall 68% support the proposal.
  
  
• 76% now say healthcare should be a priority this year, including 70% of Independents and 56% of republicans.

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