The votes of House Democrats on Sunday will largely determine the votes of independents in November. Individual members of Congress who vote “no” on the proposed health care overhaul will strike an immediate chord of respect with their constituents, establish an instant reputation for fiscal prudence and independent thinking, and gain the appreciation of voters for listening to them. Those who vote “yes” will invite the disdain of voters across the entire political spectrum, save the far left.

Independents, even more than most Americans, strongly disapprove of the proposed health care overhaul.  In June, 66 percent of independents supported President Obama in a Fox News poll.  After nine months of the president’s focusing almost entirely on health care, the same poll now shows that only 38 percent of independents support him — an amazing decline.  Even fewer of these same independents, just 29 percent, specifically approve of the president’s handling of health care.  More than twice as many, 63 percent, disapprove.