This is hilarious: according the most recent survey (PDF) from the non-partisan Kaiser Health Foundation, Republican opposition to health care reform is backfiring -- instead of driving down support for reform, GOP obstruction is actually encouraging more people to support the bill than to oppose it.

Check out the numbers:

QUESTION: Does the fact that every Republican Member of Congress opposes the current health care proposals make you more likely to support the legislation, less likely, or doesn’t that make much difference either way?

More likely to support legislation: 27%

Less likely to support legislation: 20%

No difference: 51%

To be fair and balanced, most people don't give a damn what the GOP is saying, but of those who do, the GOP's opposition is giving reform a slight boost. Meanwhile, President Obama's support for the proposal is making people more likely to support the legislation.

QUESTION: Does the fact that President Obama supports the current health care proposals make you more likely to support the legislation, less likely, or doesn’t that make much difference either way?

More likely to support legislation: 36%

Less likely to support legislation: 21%

No difference: 42%

Although President Obama is a better advocate for the bill than Republicans (delivering a 15 point boost compared to just 7), we need all the support we can get, so perhaps we should be thanking the GOP for pitching in.

Kaiser's numbers also showed that the overall trend on support for reform is looking good:

Kaiser poll shows uptick in support for health reform



The latest poll by the non-partisan Kaiser Family Foundation found 46 percent of Americans support the healthcare bill and 42 percent oppose it. The Democratic base appears to have rallied behind the legislation, which seeks to increase coverage to more than 30 million uninsured Americans. Three quarters of Democrats now support the bill, up from 70 percent last month. Republican opposition has hardened, going from 74 percent in February to 80 percent in the most recent poll, taken March 10.

Last month's survey showed an even split -- 43%-43% -- on reform, so this month's 46%-42% numbers were a small move in a positive direction, thanks at least in part to a boost from the GOP.