Well, well, well. Look what happened when Congress actually started acting in the interests of the American people. The approval rating increased. From Gallup:
Americans' job approval rating of Congress is up an additional 8 points this month, after a 12-point increase last month, and now stands at 39% -- the most positive assessment of Congress since February 2005.Here's how the approval rating has looked (click on the picture for a larger image)
Here's part of the analysis from Gallup:
The latest increase suggests the reason for the improved ratings of Congress in 2009 may go beyond simply the change from split control to one-party control of the federal government, to include an assessment of the work Congress has been doing with the new president on the economy and other issues.So, Congress, keep doing what you're doing.
Such an explanation seems plausible given that a majority of Democrats now approve of the job Congress is doing, and that the gap between Democratic and Republican approval of Congress is growing, as Congress passes and President Obama signs laws to deal with the economy and other issues that largely follow a Democratic philosophy of governing.
Even though the Democratic Party had majority control of both houses of Congress in 2007-2008, it was able to achieve little of its legislative agenda while Republican Bush remained in the White House. This lack of results may have soured Democrats' opinions of Congress.
And, this should serve as a heads up to all of the Democrats who want to block the Obama agenda. Obstructionism and the failure to address serious issues is what makes people hate Congress. Don't sour people on Congress again.
The American people want change, not the same old tired games on Capitol Hill. We expect that from the Republicans. Don't let the Blue Dogs and conservatives in the Democratic Party be the roadblock to change.
