A Gallup poll reveals that 62 percent of Americans—the highest percentage since 2007—believe the federal government should guarantee health coverage for all citizens. This surge in support, exceeding even that seen during the 2007 presidential election, is driven by rising healthcare costs and increasing dissatisfaction with the current system. The narrow margin between those favoring a government-run system (46 percent) and those preferring a private system (49 percent) highlights a shifting public opinion, even among Republicans. This comes as the U.S. remains the only wealthy nation without universal healthcare, resulting in significantly worse health outcomes and higher costs than peer countries.
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A new ECFR report reveals significant shifts in public opinion regarding EU-UK relations, with majorities in both regions favoring closer ties. Strikingly, 54% of British Leave voters would accept free movement for access to the single market. This desire for closer integration extends across various policy areas, including security, economy, and climate change, exceeding the current governmental stances on both sides of the Channel. The report urges UK and EU leaders to act decisively, aligning policy with the public’s clear preference for a strengthened partnership.
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A recent Gallup poll reveals that 62% of Americans—the highest in over a decade—believe the government should guarantee healthcare coverage, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the for-profit system. This surge in support follows the murder of a healthcare executive, allegedly by an individual with an anti-insurance manifesto, and public outcry over insurer actions like Anthem’s coverage cuts. While Republican support for government-guaranteed healthcare has increased, the incoming administration plans to further privatize Medicare, contrasting sharply with calls for “Medicare for All.” The dissatisfaction is underscored by another poll showing Americans’ opinion of healthcare quality at its lowest point in decades.
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A recent Metropoll survey reveals that 66.3% of Turks oppose a constitutional amendment enabling President Erdoğan to run again in 2028, despite his previous claim that the 2023 election would be his last. Opposition is significant even within Erdoğan’s ruling AKP and its ally, the MHP. Meanwhile, Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş enjoys the highest approval rating among potential opposition presidential candidates. The survey also shows a near-even split in support between the ruling AKP and the main opposition CHP, highlighting the politically divided state of the nation.
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Following a Dublin jury’s guilty verdict in a civil sexual assault case, Conor McGregor faced widespread backlash in Ireland and abroad. Brands severed ties, retailers removed his products, and public memorials were erased, demonstrating a significant shift in public opinion. McGregor, once celebrated as an Irish sporting icon, now faces the consequences of multiple controversies, impacting both his brand and career trajectory. While his appeal is pending, the verdict has sparked crucial conversations in Ireland about sexual assault and its victims. This seismic shift underscores the severity of the situation and its lasting consequences.
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John Q. Hosedrinker