The public's view of the Democratic Party has improved, though Congress is viewed poorly. Republicans, particulary conservatives, have grown more critical of the GOP.
by Mark Silva
Not only do the Democrats have an apparent nominee today.
They also have the public's wind in their sails, according to a new survey that also reveals some unhappiness within conservative ranks of the Republican Party.
"The overall image of the Democratic Party has improved over the past year,'' the Pew Research Center reports today. "A majority of Americans (57 percent) say they have a favorable view of the Democratic Party, up six points since July 2007 and 10 points since July 2006.''
This, despite dismal ratings for the Democratic-controlled Congress.
"In contrast, views of the Republican Party remain at historic lows,'' Pew has found. "Currently, 53 percent of Americans express unfavorable views of the Republican Party while only 39 percent say they have a favorable opinion of the party. These ratings are unchanged from July 2007, and have changed little since April 2006.''
The view of Congress remains dim, with 51 percent viewing Capitol Hill unfavorably. This is how it stood in in July 2007 as well. The view had improved in January 2007, just after Democrats won control of the House and Senate (just 38 percent unfavorable then).
"In historical terms, positive opinions of Congress are about as low as they were in October 1995, during the standoff between former President Clinton and the GOP-led Congress that led to a government shutdown,'' Pew notes. "In October 1995, 42 percent expressed favorable views compared with 55% who held unfavorable opinions.''
The Republicans' views of their own party are down 10 points since last year -- from 83 percent favorable in July of 2007 to 73 percent now. "Virtually all of this decline has come among conservative Republicans,'' Pew reports. Seventy-four percent of conservative Republicans hold a favorable view of the party, down from 87 percent.
Democrats are more bullish about their party, with nearly nine-in-ten voicing a favorable opinion of the party. This, despite the contentious five-month battle for the presidential nomination which would appear to be concluding today.
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Comments
The Republic Party still hasn't figured out that fear, smear and swiftboating won't win them elections anymore.
People want to talk about the issues that affect them (economy, healthcare, iraq etc) and as usual the Republic Party has no idea what to do about those things and that's why they're losing elections all over the country right now.
The GOP recently came up with a new slogan:
"The Change you Deserve"
Here's some other slogan's they could have used for 08:
"We care more about you at the moment you were conceived and when you die than we do in all the other years in between"
"Only good Christians need apply...unless we need more votes from Miami and NYC"
"We are here to serve the rich...the rest of you pay for it"
"African Americans are welcome as long as they don't expect us to actually do anything for them"
"Of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich voted in by those who aren't but think they are"
"GOP: Greedy Old Party"
"We don't send any of our children to serve in our wars"
"Wars for everyone else's kids"
"Rejecting science when it isn't good for business"
"We don't need to support abortion rights as long as we have enough money to pay for one"
"Have you hugged a frozen embryo today?"
"We abuse religion to reel in new supporters"
"Standing with Tom DeLay because our Party is infected with termites"
"We win elections the old fashion way - We steal them!"
"Wedge Issues? Are there any other kind?"
"A woman's right to choose should be how long to stay in the kitchen"
"If it weren't for leaders like Bush, you wouldn't hear so many Bushisms"
"We can't elect anyone who doesn't need a teleprompter"
"Our Presidents resemble the Royal family - They're all figureheads"
"Con you once, shame on us...con you twice, because we can!"
Posted by: John E | June 3, 2008 3:39 PM
"Currently, 53 percent of Americans express unfavorable views of the Republican Party while only 39 percent say they have a favorable opinion of the party.
I would believe we will hear from members of the 39% in 1...2...3...
Posted by: bill r. | June 3, 2008 4:07 PM
The Republic Party still hasn't figured out that fear, smear and swiftboating won't win them elections anymore.
People want to talk about the issues that affect them (economy, healthcare, iraq etc) and as usual the Republic Party has no idea what to do about those things and that's why they're losing elections all over the country right now.
Posted by: John E | June 3, 2008 4:16 PM
Good news -- for quite a few months out.
Listen, as much as I'm hoping for a Democratic President taking office in January of next year, a poll this far in advance of the actual election means just about zip. Polls several months in advance ALSO showed that Gore and Kerry were likely winners, so I'm not putting much stock in this.
We need to keep our eye on the November election and not waste time on polls just because the news is good. The only numbers that actually count are the final election results.
Posted by: Op109 | June 3, 2008 5:21 PM
Republicans will lose big in congress in '08
The White House is a toss up. McCain polls very well against Obama, even better than against Clinton. If Obama manages to squeek into the Oval Office, his administration will be crippled by scandal and ineptitude. Out in one term.
You read it here first.
Footnote: By the way, Americans historically like divided government, which also bodes well for McCain.
Posted by: MJ | June 3, 2008 5:43 PM
You read it here first.
Footnote: By the way, Americans historically like divided government, which also bodes well for McCain.
Posted by: MJ | June 3, 2008 5:43 PM
Don't worry clown, I'll be sure to remind you about how you were crowing about early June polls in November. :o)
Posted by: John E | June 3, 2008 6:07 PM
The White House is a toss up. McCain polls very well against Obama, even better than against Clinton. If Obama manages to squeek into the Oval Office, his administration will be crippled by scandal and ineptitude. Out in one term.You read it here first.
Footnote: By the way, Americans historically like divided government, which also bodes well for McCain.
Posted by: MJ | June 3, 2008 5:43 PM
No one believes the "McCain is bipartisan" lie anymore. McCain has reversed course on several key issues as he has tried to gain the support of the Republican base:
On tax cuts...
In 2001, McCain voted against Bush's tax cuts, saying "I cannot in good conscience support a tax cut in which so many of the benefits go to the most fortunate among us, at the expense of middle-class Americans who most need tax relief." He also voted against additional tax cuts in 2003, later saying that "I just thought it was too tilted to the wealthy, and I still do."
Today, McCain wants to make those tax cuts permanent.
On immigration...
In 2005, McCain supported comprehensive immigration reform, which included a pathway to citizenship.
Now, he claims that "if his original proposal came to a vote on the Senate floor, he would not vote for it."
On abortion and Roe v. Wade...
In 1999, McCain said that he would not support overturning Roe v. Wafe "int he sort term, or even the long term," because that would "force X number of women in America" to undergo "illegal and dangerous operations."
Today, McCain has campaigned on overturning Roe v. Wade.
On his revisionist history regarding Donald Rumsfeld...
In 2004, McCain refused to call for Rumsfeld's resignation, saying that Bush "can have the team around him that he wants around him." In 2006, retired generals called for Rumseld's resignation, but McCain did not.
Now, while running for president, McCain has claimed that "I’m the only one that said that Rumsfeld had to go." The article notes that "[t]he campaign has since acknowledged that Mr. McCain was incorrect, and more recently the senator has stopped short of claiming he called for the defense secretary’s ouster."
On torture...
McCain has traditionally been against torture, citing his experience as a POW for his decision.
Now, McCain voted last month "against a bill that would require the Central Intelligence Agency to abide by the restrictions on interrogating prisoners outlined in the Army Field Manual."
In his decades in office, McCain has an average party unity score in the low 80s. Since he has campaigned for president, his party unity score has skyrocketed.
2005: 81%
2006: 76%
2007: 90%
It all spells only one thing....
http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/mccain%20bush%20hug%20twn.jpg
Posted by: Gollum | June 3, 2008 6:22 PM
Don't worry clown, I'll be sure to remind you about how you were crowing about early June polls in November. :o)
Posted by: John E | June 3, 2008 6:07 PM
Nothing is certain, genius. I've said many times that Obama stands a chance to win. He's in a virtual tie in the polls, after all.
Obviously you didn't get it, so I'll repeat it -- his chances aren't so good all things considered, but he might win. If he wins: one unsucessful term.
Posted by: MJ | June 3, 2008 6:29 PM
Obviously you didn't get it, so I'll repeat it -- his chances aren't so good all things considered, but he might win. If he wins: one unsucessful term.
Posted by: MJ | June 3, 2008 6:29 PM
Clown, I would list the reasons why John McBush won't even win one term (it's debateable if he would even live long enough to fulfill one term) but for some reason the cenorship gods at the swamp won't let me do so today, so here, watch a video of it for yourself:
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioy90nF2anI
...and that's just the start of why John McBush has no chance...
Posted by: John E | June 3, 2008 7:56 PM
What happened to America's fair-mindedness and compassion. This should never have happened in America, but it did and we are all the worse because it did !!!http://www.ufw.org/_board.php?mode=view&b_code=news_press&b_no=4285&page=1&field=&key=&n=524
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | June 3, 2008 8:11 PM
Posted by: John E | June 3, 2008 7:56 PM
McCain has no chance, genius? Is that why he's polling slightly ahead of Obama without even trying?
Posted by: MJ | June 3, 2008 9:46 PM
Here is the link that I hoped would appear, active, on my last post. It is a tragic story of a worker in California. Something, I hope, that would be addressed by Senator Obama, if and when he becomes our President. One of these stories is too many !!!
http:/www.ufw.org/_board.php?mode=view&b_code=news_press&b_no=4285&page=1&field=&key=&n=524
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | June 3, 2008 10:14 PM
McCain has no chance, genius? Is that why he's polling slightly ahead of Obama without even trying?
Posted by: MJ | June 3, 2008 9:46 PM
Clown, like I said, I'll be sure to remind you about how you were crowing about early June polls when we get to November. In fact, I won't let you forget it....
Posted by: John E | June 3, 2008 10:34 PM
http://www.ufw.org/_board.php?mode=view&b_code=news_press&b_no=4285&page=1&field=&key=&n=524
Here is the link. I hope it works.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | June 3, 2008 10:50 PM