Congressional Job Approval

Throwby · 05-31-2008, 11:05 AM

I just noticed this morning that the job approval rating for Congress has fallen below 20% (Real Clear Politics average of three independent polls). Here are the numbers:

Date App. Dis. Spread
RCP Average05/07 - 05/1218.775.0-56.3

Here are the numbers for Pres. Bush (average of six polls):

RCP Average05/08 - 05/2430.865.2-34.4

As bad as Bush's popularity is he looks good next to Congress. Here's my question: Since Speaker Pelosi's promises of a bright new future under Democratic leadership can said leadership be considered an abysmal failure?

(I'm off to the state FS tournament. We'll chat later)

RYou · 05-31-2008, 12:33 PM

"said leadership be considered an abysmal failure"

...and it can only get worse.

ban basketball · 05-31-2008, 12:39 PM

These numbers relect one thing and one thing only: we're still in Iraq. They voted them in for a changein Iraq, yet they continue to fund every bit of the war and do nothing to change it.

Change thiose facts and approval ratings soar.

RYou · 05-31-2008, 02:58 PM

So how you explain the fact that Bush, who made the move against Iraq well before most of the democrats gained their seats, still has a more favorable approval rating ? IF, Iraq was the reason, shouldn't his rating be lower? I think so.

Maybe people are recognizing the ineffectiveness of a democratic congress. Looks to me like these folks wants their seats for a reasonable pay, percs and fringes with no real need to work.

Overall, I think over the past 20 years the talent level of those elected to congress has declined dramatically.

Throwby · 05-31-2008, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by ban basketball

These numbers relect one thing and one thing only: we're still in Iraq. They voted them in for a changein Iraq, yet they continue to fund every bit of the war and do nothing to change it.

Change thiose facts and approval ratings soar.

ban, you overlook the fact that Pelosi and company vowed to deliver us from the "culture of corruption" that the Repub's had created. It would appear that the Dem's have proven that they are at least as capable of lying, cheating and generally screwing people over as they accused their political opponents of. Heck, I think I would even give them a bit of an edge.

matclone · 05-31-2008, 09:46 PM

Do you suppose poor Congressional approval ratings (or the President's for that matter) has anything (not everything, but something) to do with the plethora of attack ads and commentary (talk radio, cable TV, internet blogs, anti-govt screeds by think tank operatives) that is all around us? I mean, anyone who's watched even a bit of the presidential race can see that most of the media coverage has been more trivial than substantive.

Throwby · 05-31-2008, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by matclone

Do you suppose poor Congressional approval ratings (or the President's for that matter) has anything (not everything, but something) to do with the plethora of attack ads and commentary (talk radio, cable TV, internet blogs, anti-govt screeds by think tank operatives) that is all around us? I mean, anyone who's watched even a bit of the presidential race can see that most of the media coverage has been more trivial than substantive.

It can't help but now more than ever I think there is a general feeling that Congress (both parties) operates in their own little world without regard to the people they are elected to represent.

matclone · 05-31-2008, 09:58 PM

I say: we get the government we expect (or demand). If we see it (as some do) merely as a contest between two parties, or as government as our enemy, chances are lessened that Congress will accomplish meaningful governance, and more likely that they'll maintain the status quo, i.e, power will stay where its at. Your comment also suggests that Congress alone is responsible for bad government, without consideration of other factors, such as the enormous amount of money that flows into Washington, or the role of media.

Throwby · 05-31-2008, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by matclone

I say: we get the government we expect (or demand). If we see it (as some do) merely as a contest between two parties, or as government as our enemy, chances are lessened that Congress will accomplish meaningful governance, and more likely that they'll maintain the status quo, i.e, power will stay where its at. Your comment also suggests that Congress alone is responsible for bad government, without consideration of other factors, such as the enormous amount of money that flows into Washington, or the role of media.

Congress has the potential for being a catalyst for positive change but there is so much interest in the preservation of power little is done for the common good. Of course, they are not alone in the blame department but I would say they are the chief offenders.

Time to boogie. Have a good evening!

hardcore · 05-31-2008, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by Throwby

It can't help but now more than ever I think there is a general feeling that Congress (both parties) operates in their own little world without regard to the people they are elected to represent.

Only partialy correct. While Congress (both parties) has the lowest approval ratings ever and the general public is fed up it will change nothing as people blame all the members of Congress except their own. Re-election rates for incumbents has been in the 90-96% range for the past 20 or so years. The only solution to effect change is term limits and ending earmarks. Snowballs chance in hell of either one happening.

Congressional Job Approval

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