Do Americans really want universal health care? Matthew Holt analyzes the recent NY Times survey:

But if you ask people as Harris finally does at the end of its survey – which pre-dates the Times’ – if they’re wiling to see a “substantial” increase in taxes to help the less fortunate, then support for the whole idea falls off. It’s worth noting that the Times poll only asked about a $500 increase – which probably doesn’t sound like that much money. And more importantly, when Harris got to the part about asking for a substantial tax increase, the support was lost of most everyone polled, especially those independent voters who politicians treasure so dearly.