In spite of the media’s set-in-stone narrative about the 2010 midterms that Republicans are ascendant, a new CBS poll finds that just 20 percent of voters approve of the job Republicans in Congress are doing, while over two-thirds — 68 percent — disapprove.
Conversely, approval of the Democrats’ performance in Congress is at 30 percent, with 58 percent disapproving.
The poll found a statistically even split in the generic House race question, with 40 percent saying they would vote for the generic Republican and 38 percent saying they’d vote for the Democrat.
Pundits have also been flogging away at the enthusiasm gap between Republicans and Democrats — but if you factor in those who say they are “more enthusiastic” with those who say they are equally as enthusiastic now as they were in 2008, the gap narrows to 6 points.
Among Republicans, 68 percent say they are more (58) or equally (10) as enthusiastic as they were in 2008, while 62 percent of Democrats say they’re more (47) or equally (15) enthusiastic.
Independent voters are the least enthusiastic, with just 37 percent saying they are more enthusiastic and 21 percent saying they are equally as enthusiastic, which aggregates to 58 percent on the enthusiasm meter.
But the double-digit gap between Republicans and independents in the top “more enthusiastic” number could be significant. Just 37 percent of independents say they are enthusiastic about the midterms, which is 21 percentage points fewer than the GOPs’ 58 percent.
The number of Republicans who say there are less enthusiastic about voting this year is also surprisingly high — 29 percent — as is the 41 percent of independents who say they are less-enthusiastic independents. Among Dems, 36 percent are less enthusiastic about voting this year.
The depressed enthusiasm among independents is significant because they tend to lean Republican in red states, and nearly all of the 70 or so contested Democratic House seats are in districts where McCain-Palin won in 2008.
In fact, the polls shows that among independents, 35 percent say they would vote for a Republican and 28 percent say they’d vote for a Democrat. With about six weeks to go before the election, a third of independents aren’t sure yet who they will vote for.
Among registered voters, the CBS poll also found that 96 percent of Republicans say they will definitely (84) or probably (12) vote, while 94 percent of Democrats say they will definitely (73) or probably (21) vote. Slightly fewer independent voters — 91 percent — say they will definitely (72) or probably (19) vote.
Among those saying they probably or definitely will not vote, 3 percent of Republicans, 5 percent of Democrats and 9 percent of independents say they will sit out the midterms this year.
Important Announcement: We Need You
Today, this country is faced with the typical problem of the political party in charge losing its voting strength in the mid-term election. This situation has occurred with some regularity in recent U.S. history. But, this election is different. We’ve witnessed the worst recession (some say depression) since the 30’s and 40’s. And, of course, severe unemployment and economic despair may cause many citizens to think that the Administration should take a different tact. However, it’s a matter of whether President Obama is going to have a Congressional team to allow him to continue with the recovery, or whether we elect more Republicans (and in some cases extreme Conservatives), and radically change the complexion of the Congress, so as to create a reactionary movement back to the situation we were in before Barak Obama became President.
Many say, “What has he done for us?” Or, “Shouldn’t he do more, or at least something different?” There may be various answers to these questions in our electorate, but many over-look what President Obama and the a friendly House of Representatives, despite a filibuster-crazy Senate, has accomplished anyway:
Decrease in national debt by 8% .
[ http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/13/politics/washingtonpost/main6391441.shtml
This is accompanied a stabilization of the Dow Jones Average at above 10,000.
Created a health care program—although flawed, some may say—which will provide protection for
an estimated 45 million people without insurance or under-insure. Sure, health care may not be an
important issue to the 80% of Americans already covered, but what about those who have no such
protection? How many people would otherwise die?.
Although unemployment is still unacceptably high, the Obama administration has halted this
increase which was occurring when President Obama took office. We are at a pinnacle like has
never occurred in our recent experience. It is no longer necessary just to create industries
—industries that can just outsource jobs overseas—we need to create industries which will keep
jobs in this country, and cannot be shipped overseas. Do you really think the Republicans can do
this? They don't even know that this is the goal. The old way just doesn't work any more.
His administration Reformed the rules of the Wall Street financial industries. Many say, “Not
enough”, and I agree. But at least the Congress got something positive accomplished amidst
Republican objection. Can you imagine how little would have been accomplished if the
Republicans had been in charge? Nothing.
To view a list of 100 of Obama accomplishments in his first year of Presidency, see
http://simplifythepositive.blogspot.com/2010/03/100-accomplishments-of-president-barack.html .
A vote for the Republican Party this November means a vote for the 25% far-fight, radical element, which is embraced by the Conservative (Republican) Party. Why, that's only somewhat smaller than the percentage of people in the U.S. who believe the solar system revolves around the Earth—and probably includes much of the same people. Let's look at what these people believe—as represented by some of their most vocal representatives—before considering turning our government over to them:
Not only are Conservatives supporting the Bush tax cuts for the middle class, but only is it
includes a tax cut for the upperclass—who really need it. In January, the Bush tax cuts are set to
expire. The Democrats support reinstating them for the middle class, but not the upper class. By
allowing these tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires, the Republicans deny the government
several trillion dollars in revenue, based on the assumption that these people will put it back into
the economy through investment. But who say this will happen? If it doesn't, this country stands
to increase the deficit by $3-4 trillion dollars. What a gamble, based on a theory. I say 'a bird in
the hand is worth two in the bush'--no pun intended.
Some of the most radical members have seemed to suggest 'gun play' in the event they don't win.
Others suggest ending social programs, like medicare and social security, because they're too
expensive, while profiting from these very programs all these years. Do we really want persons
like this representing the American people.
What do conservatives have to offer about improving the economy? All they can talk about is
complaining about 'tax and spend' Democrats—on balance, will they take a page from the
George Bush play book, and become 'borrow and spend' Republicans instead, or just continue to
talk? I still I haven't seen the Republican plan.
Many of the right-wing have exhibited statements suggesting religious, ethnic, and
gender intolerance—currently directed toward the Muslim and GLBT community. Essentially,
they simply don't believe in freedom for all people—to them freedoms are bestowed upon whom
they prefer to pick and choose. We have seen this in our history with the KKK, and
anti-Semitism, and prejudice toward many other immigrant groups. And we've seen it more
recently, with the emergence of 'the Birthers' and a wealth of photos depicting President Obama
as a witch doctor or pimp—next thing you know they'll be saying he's a space alien. Do you
really want these kind of sentiments having an influence on government?
Conservatives are constantly calling attention to the high unemployment rate. But they forget
to remind you that during the Reagan administration, the unemployment rate went to 9.7-9.8%
and remained there for two years—and that was a mild recession compared to this near
depression.
[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-abrams/pop-quiz-under-reagan-wha_b_341348.html]
Changing the economy is not an easy job; and the Republicans don’t have the answer by
regressing back to the practices of the Bush days.
If you agree with what I’ve said here, go out and vote Democratic in November. We’re almost certain to lose some seats in congress because of a traditionally low turnout of progressive voters during mid-term elections. So we need Independent and Democratic voters to turn out and vote for progressive candidates to minimize the number of seats lost to reactionary conservatives. We’re especially vulnerable to losing the House of Representatives, where some important bills originate. Don’t let this happen! And vote Democratic for Governor too—where applicable.