Americans are churchgoers, and religion has always played a large role in U.S. politics. Health reform is no different. A new IBD/TIPP Poll shows that, depending on their faith, Americans have differing opinions and differing intensity of opinion when it comes to including a public option in any overhaul plan.

Despite repeated promises that President Obama will not raise taxes on anyone earning less than $250,000 a year, senior administration officials recently floated the possibility that tax increases on middle class Americans might be necessary to pay for health care reform.

President Obama has yet to sell health care reform convincingly to Americans. The public is skeptical about whether an overhaul of the health system is in its best interests. One indicator of the skepticism is the poor grade Americans give the president for his handling of the issue.

The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index increased 4 points, or 8.6%, in August, posting 50.3 vs. 46.3 in July. Across the board, the index showed a bounce in economic confidence as it returns to positive territory. Index readings above 50 indicate optimism; below 50 indicate pessimism.

Americans are more supportive of the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan compared to the prevailing public sentiment for the effort in the United Kingdom.

Will the quality of care for seniors improve under health care reform currently being considered by Congress?

A recent IBD/TIPP Poll shows that a majority of physicians think the answer is no.

An IBD/TIPP Poll released earlier this week showed overwhelming opposition among physicians to proposed health care reforms. But that doesn't mean no doctors support them.

Doctor opposition to health care overhaul proposals is broad and deep, revealing concerns not just about soaring costs, declining care, possible rationing and a lack of limits on malpractice suits, but also about government competence and motives, detailed responses to a new IBD/TIPP Poll show.

Two of every three practicing physicians oppose the medical overhaul plan under consideration in Washington, and hundreds of thousands would think about shutting down their practices or retiring early if it were adopted, a new IBD/TIPP Poll has found.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. consumer confidence slumped in July, reflecting enduring job losses and concerns over the success of the Obama administration's stimulus measures, a survey released on Tuesday said.