Almost twice as many people now strongly oppose health care reform as support it, according to Rasmussen's latest survey on the question.

Overall, a staunch 56% oppose the measure while 43% support it. A solid 44% are strongly opposed while only 24% are strongly in favor of it.

In short, the president's speech had the opposite effect he intended. Not only do more people oppose him but more people are adamantly against the idea altogether.

Meanwhile, Congress keeps plugging away with the Democrats apparently oblivious to the rising tide of opposition to comprehensive reform. And Obama himself is unwilling to change course, saying on TV yesterday several times (he made 5 appearances on the news talk shows) that the public option was still on the table - despite members of his own party saying he won't get reform unless it is withdrawn.

In fact, it appears to me that Democrats are operating in a vacuum. They are continuing along, believing their own propaganda that people really want comprehensive reform, that they want a public option, and that opposition to the plan is coming from crazies and racists.

If they continue with this fantasy, they are likely to be rudely surprised in the next few weeks.

Hat Tip: Ed Lasky