Public doubt about health care reform has grown as the debate's raged this summer, with a rise in views it would do more harm than good, increasing opposition to a public option "“ and President Obama's rating on the issue at a new low in ABC News/Washington Post polls.

Fewer than half of Americans, 45 percent, support reform as it's been explained to date, while 50 percent are opposed "“ with many more "strongly" opposed than strongly in favor, 40 percent vs. 27 percent. Support's at just 36 percent among independents, the crucial political center.

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Obama's approval rating for handling health care has fallen steadily from 57 percent in April to 46 percent today, led by a steep 17-point...