SCHIP Vindication, thy name is this poll from USA Today.

• 52% agree with Bush that most benefits should go to children in families earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level — about $41,000 for a family of four. Only 40% say benefits should go to families earning up to $62,000, as the bill written by Democrats and some Republicans would allow.


• 52% of respondents say they have more confidence in Democrats to deal with the issue, compared with 32% for Bush.


• 55% are very or somewhat concerned that the program would create an incentive for families to drop private insurance. Bush and Republican opponents have called that a step toward government-run health care.

Taken together, the results show that while Bush may be losing the political battle with Democrats, he may be doing better on policy. Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., said other polls have shown a much bigger edge for Democrats. "This debate is set up," he said. "It's set up about 10 million children or not." That's interesting Mr. Emanuel because I thought the debate was over providing health insurance to underprivileged kids, not middle-class kids, nor adults or illegal aliens. I will say it again, "We all want underprivileged kids to have health insurance and we think our plan does that more effectively than the Democrats." Of course you will have overwhelming support from the public if its "about the children." The nine-word poll-tested frame up soundbite may win the political battle but the best policy will win the war.

UPDATE: The vote to attempt to overturn the President's veto of the re authorization of SCHIP is scheduled for Thursday. Here is a refresher course: If the Congress overrides the veto by a two-thirds majority in each house (66 and 287), it becomes law without the President's signature. Otherwise, the bill fails to become law unless it is presented to the President again and he chooses to sign it. Two things to remember;

1. The children's health insurance bill originally cleared on a vote of 265-159. If all House members vote Thursday, an override will need 290 to prevail, an increase of 25 votes.


2. The 51 Republicans who voted against the bill last month averaged nearly 64% of the vote in their recent election. Many had vote totals in the 70% range, making them all but invulnerable from attack.

"I believe the Democrats fully believe they can exploit this" for political gain, said Rep. Mike Castle, a Delaware Republican who voted for the measure that Bush vetoed. An AP analysis suggests that individual Republicans who side with Bush might have relatively little to fear politically as election season nears. If you haven't yet contact your Congressman or Senator and urge him or her to hold their vote on this important bill.