Why has Congress's popularity plummeted since the election, especially Peloisi's

[Toots]

After the first month she was sitting at over fifty percent popularity and now she is in the teens along with the rest of Congress. It is even lower now than before the election and the Bums were thrown out. Are the new "bums" even worse than the old ones? Have any Democratic Congressmen uttered an opinion on why they are so very unpopular now as compared to six months ago? Can they possibly be so much in the dark as to be unaware of the mood of the public? I suspect it won't be much longer and Peloisi will be about the same as Cheney in popularity. What gives? Is it the Iraq war or the "Impeachment is off the table" or both plus a whole bunch more? :shrug: What can and should Democrats do to regain some of their credibility and popularity?

[terisan]

1. No vision for future or positive sense of purpose. nt

[yes2truth]

2. Because too many people had unrealistic expectations

What can and shoud Democrats do to regain some of their credibility and popularity? Support what the majority of Democratic voters believe in.

[Toots]

6. Why have they not done so?

I agree completely but I am at a loss as to why they have not made any effort to do so. Their little show of timetables on the " Iraq Supplemental Spending Bill" was doomed way in advance when all the Dems went on TV and said the bottom line was the troops would get the money. Kind of hard to negotiate when you have already given in..but what else have they done that would be considered Democratic goals. Raising minimum wage, yes that is one but it really has no effect since virtually every state already has minimum wage laws that establish a higher wage than this new bill so in effect it was for show only..

[ReverendDeuce]

3. They said they would "do something" to stop the madness...

But to date, they've done nothing but squander public goodwill.

[BenDavid]

4. I blame the media. One only has to

watch and listen at how they report what Congress is doing. It is most if not all the time negative. These same media type people do not say anything about the 11 bills the dems had to pass for 2007 before they could even start on the 2008 budget. They hardly say anything about the over-sight hearings the dems are holding and trying to make someone accountable...So, I say it is the media for not giving the dems credit for anything and hump it all to not doing anything....Yes, all the glowing reviews form the media was early on and then about a month they began this negative reporting...

I do thank you
Ben David

[old guy]

17. Absolutely correct!

The media is a formidable enemy and will be very difficult to counter.

[Toots]

20. Democrats have an opportunity to go on National TV every single week

on shows like Meet the Press and Face the nation etc. Also Democrats have an opportunity to really capitalize in C-Span as Newt did and many such Republicans after him. He would make speeches to empty rooms but the C-Span audience did not know the place was empty and he was only talking to them and the record book. Why don't Democrats do these things? If you want your message to get out you mst make an effort to get it out there. One can not just sit back and expect them to come to you. Especially after so many years of such a cordial relationship with Republicans..

[old guy]

32. Do they really get to decide if they get on those Sunday shows?

Somehow I doubt they have much to say about it.

[KittyWampus]

47. You know NOTHING about how television shows operate.

[Name removed]

46. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tularetom]

5. Yes to all of the above

It should have been clear to even the most obtuse politician why so many Democrats were elected. The Amurkin people hate the fricken Iraq war and they don't particularly like bush either. The Dems were obviously elected to do something about that and they didn't - in fact they didn't even attempt to do anything and then they compound that by saying they don't even intend to do anything. So to me it's no surprised that people have become disillusioned with the Democrat (that's not a typo) party. We elected 'em to do a job and now they tell us they won't do it.

[crikkett]

7. because the president and vp are still in office?

[Greyhound]

8. They are so unpopular because they have decided to do nothing

but sit on their asses and wait for the '08 election. We voted them in, in such numbers that we overcame the election fraud, to end the war and start the process of returning this country to some semblance of sanity. All they did was whine about how it couldn't be done so it isn't even worth trying.

[EFerrari]

29. In a nutshell! Well said!

:thumbsup:

[KittyWampus]

48. Except for everything they HAVE accomplished. If you don't know what they've done it's your fault

not theirs.

[Greyhound]

54. Which is as good as nothing. n/t

:kick:

[BenDavid]

70. I disagree. The dems in both Houses

are doing something. I would like to add to my post earlier. I too fault the Dems for not seizing control of the mic and getting on any news program and informing the people of what they are doing and what was not done. The Dems cannot let the right wing control them. Sometimes it looks like the dems think they are still in the minority....I would suggest the dems or the political arm of the party make it known to all media that we need to be on the air opposite any right winger that appears....We got the opportunity to really tell the folks what was not done for the past 6 years and to show through actions.....The dems have a golden opportunity to increase their numbers in the House and more so in the Sentate and hopefully in 08 te Senate will pick up 5 to 8 new seats and then WE can force whomever is the Majority leader that it is time to let Liberman go and do away with any chair he might hold....
I do thank you
Ben David

[Jade Fox]

9. People expect miracles.....

having no understanding of what it is like to work for change within a slow-moving, entrenched system.

We see a lot of that attitude here on DU.

[Toots]

12. Congressmen are elected for two year terms

One quarter of their term has expired and everyone knows the last six months is spent campaigning. When do things get done?

[Gabi Hayes]

16. really. look at some of the posts here. what people don't realize, because they NEVER

hear it in the media, is that the pugs are playing the game the dems WOULD NOT play in the Senate, because of the "nuclear option"

the pugs have obstructed/Bush Vetoed every progressive measure instituted by the dems

have you heard the MEDIA discussing repug obstructionism at all?

EVER?

I'm talking about TV, which is reality for most idiots, at least the ones who get polled, and express their displeasure at a congress they elected to get us out of Iran, but has bought into the RW+Media driven shibboleth that denying funding=withdrawing support for/not supporting our troops

it's that simple

people are too fucking STUPID/LAZY to pay attention to anything else but Paris/American Idol

what show do you think got the highest ratings for Larry King?

[AndyTiedye]

40. Because the "Nuclear Option" Is Only Available to The Repiglicans

who own the Supreme Court.

[OzarkDem]

19. Voters are tired of whining

They want to hear something positive, passionate and reassuring that they can help turn things around. They're not hearing that.

[notadmblnd]

10. because they haven't done what they were elected to do

and that is to... TOSS THE BUMS OUT! all they've shown me is that they are part and parcel to the entire mess the BFEE have created.

[BlueManDude]

11. Liberals are unhappy with congress but that doesn't mean they will vote GOP in 2008.

Basically the conservatives have a low opinion of congress (to be expected) and so do liberals (because of frustration about the war) - but this doesn't mean the GOP will take back congress in 08. What you have is a congress that both sides are unhappy with for different reasons.

[L. Coyote]

13. Who do you TRUST on this scorecard? Where is your source?

[Toots]

15. DU is my main source and I trust most of it

How about you? What is your source and who do you trust?

[L. Coyote]

25. I would trust a scientific poll by an independent organization if I saw the methodology

DU is a very biased source, at best, and crawling with worms, at worst.

[HappyWeasel]

60. Actually....there is good news!

It appears that people still think it is good that the dems are in power-

http://www.pollingreport.com/congress.htm#misc

[Rosemary2205]

14. The perception she/they caved on Iraq.

[OzarkDem]

18. Poor at vision, planning and most of all PR

They still have no meaningful strategy to project their vision, ideas, message to the public. Since the election, the GOP has been relatively quiet. Dems haven't developed an aggressive strategy (heck, they haven't become aggressive or passionate about anything) to get their message out to the public.

How often do you hear them projecting their vision? How often do you hear them repeating their talking points (other than "we can't do anything")

From what I've heard, they've had the opportunity to tap into the use of new consultants who can help them craft their message and get it out to the public, but chose not to do it. They're still going with the old, failed strategies promoted by Shrum, DLC, et al.

The public would turn on the GOP in Congress and put pressure on them to break away from Bush & Cheney, but Dems won't lift a finger to help make it happen.

Winning hearts and minds, that's what they haven't done. Making excuses, yeah, they're good at that.

[Toots]

21. I've got their main talking poiint memorized.."The votes aren't there"

You know I don't recall ever hearing the Republicans say those words...

[OzarkDem]

27. That is so sad

We really are playing with the second string team, there. Is that really what Pelosi wants to be remembered for?

:banghead:

[emilyg]

22. We expected overnight miracles

didn't get them.

[Toots]

26. See my post # 12

They have two years to get things done, one quarter of which is gone. I don't expect miracles I expect effort. What Health Bills have been introduced? What efforts to stymie Global Warming have been introduced? What efforts to stop the genocide in Darfar have been introduced? What Democratic goal hgas been introduced besides minimum wage increase? While that is very worthy it isn't really worth a lot since virtually every state already has minimum wage laws that meet or beat that figure. So after 25% of their valuable time is past what are the results?

[OzarkDem]

28. And my post #19

Voters don't like whiners, they like winners who show leadership, even when they can't get results right away.

They want leaders who give them hope and inspire them. Dems in Congress don't have it.

[Toots]

34. With that we are in total agreement, one of the things that made Clinton a great President

He never ever whined. He was always optimistic even when being Impeached. He always looked for the silver lining and usually found it. He would have never kept America living in a continued state of fear. Never..

[Booster]

37. That's my biggest complaint on the people in Wash DC. They

are absolute experts at wasting time; they've got it down to a science, both sides, and they use it to their advantage. They'll talk a blue streak about something positive, then say "oops, got to go on vacation" and that's the last you hear about it for another 3 or 4 months. They haven't done anything for the middle class people in many, many years, so, sure, we're pissed.

[KittyWampus]

50. You are a magic want liberal who thinks all they have to do is wave their wand.

further, you have no fucking clue what they've been doing cause the media doesn't cover it.

How about you pay attention and then post some informed comments.

[dmosh42]

23. The swamp really wasn't drained....

Witness the coordination with Repubs on 'free trade' deals. Add the Kennedy-Kerry vote for the 'poison pill' against the Dorgan amendment, to allow importation of cheaper prescription drugs. The cave in on Iraq, especially in the Senate. The explanation is they had to support the troops, when they could have worded the appropriations with all kinds of conditions. And how about all the illegal activities by the DOJ, Cheney, etc. ? Nothing is happening.

[old guy]

24. If I have my facts wrong here feel free to flame.

A poll taken recently had shown that Congress was lower in popularity than *. However the poll then got more specific and turns out that the Repubs were the reason for the low numbers. People were still positive toward Democrats but the terrible numbers for Repubs dragged the totals down. I apologize for no link but I think it was a Pew poll.

[Individualist]

41. Facts speak more loudly than flames

http://www.galluppoll.com/content/?ci=27937

Democrats' ratings have gradually declined in the past few months, falling from 43% in April to 37% in May and to 29% this month. At the same time, Republicans' ratings have held fairly stable, in the mid-20% range. Independents' ratings have also declined over this period of time.

[old guy]

45. I stand corrected.

[KittyWampus]

51. So GOP rating DOES drag down overall & you don't acknowledge Media ignoring Dem accomplishsments

the Media doesn't report what the Dems get done so people think they haven't done anything.

And by people I include most DU'ers who bitch and moan the Dems do nothing.

[Jacobin]

30. They did nothing to stop the war and did nothing about immigration

[Jacobin]

31. They did nothing to stop the war and did nothing about immigration

[Edweird]

33. The biggest reason for me was the war funding bill.

Plus impeachment off the table as well as failing to oppose the RW in a meaningful or effective manner.

[spanone]

35. there are a lot of congressional republicans, don't forget.

i'd venture that a lot of the hatred is focused on them.

[1monster]

36. Because impeachemnt is "off the table."

Democrats can regain some of their credibility and popularity by voting for Kucinch's impeachment of Cheney bill and by following through as far as it will go.

[leftofthedial]

38. because they have failed miserably

[blm]

39. Whenever corpmedia has a clear Democratic target they SATURATE the spin against them.

Pelosi is getting what Gore, Kerry, Dean and Murtha got before her and still get now.

Too many Dem 'leaders' sit back and let it happen, and in some cases join the RW machine themselves.

[KittyWampus]

53. DU'ers blithely contribute, trashing Dems as a whole cause the Media doesn't report what gets done

with them in charge.

Then DU'ers trash Dems like Kerry cause the Media publises nonsense it's so much fun to grind your ax on a public forum.

[Toots]

66. Exactly what are you so proud of that the Democrats have accomplished?

Maybe it would be good to spread the word so we could join you in feeling like good things were about. I am not out to denigrate the Democrats. I am but an Agitator...America can do so much better....so much better..

[mitchum]

68. Exactly, the Mighty Wurtlizer is playing the "Dem Demon" song...

and never lets up.
I also agree about the all-too-often accomodating Democratic "leadership"

[Individualist]

42. "All that is required for the triumph of evil

is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke

[AZBlue]

43. Because many don't understand how their own government actually works

and mistakenly expected things that weren't possible.

[shadowknows69]

44. Just a thought here but

because the criminals are still criminalizing.

[proud patriot]

49. 3 things IMO

1 war still going
2 impeachment hasn't started
3 they just gave themselves a raise

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

52. Because they're playing politics with lives at stake.

i.e., Still funding a war that all but the most willfully blind can see is lost.

They are putting the fortunes of the party ahead of the country and the people notice such things.

[Vidar]

55. They haven't made a serious effort to stop Bush, the primary reason

the public gave them a mandate. They haven't attempted de-funding the war or impeachment. "Tried & failed" can be forgiven, but not to try is deplorable.

[calimary]

56. What should they do? START IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS.

It would certainly give the "Dems have no balls" contingent something to think about.

ARE we the party of accountability or AREN'T we?

DO we support the Constitution and the rule of law, or DON'T we?

IS there enough evidence to go on, or ISN'T there?

HAVE we seen enough by now, to warrant IMPEACHMENT, or HAVEN'T we???

---

Guys, I think every weekday we ought to be calling not only OUR reps to urge IMPEACHMENT, but also, once a day, select ONE republi-CON (assuming you're not already "represented" by one) and call him/her. Put these same questions to him/her - since all republi-CONS clownishly strut their stuff about supposedly being the "law and order" party.

Start destabilizing the enemy. We're gonna need defectors to make this happen. That, and an avalanche of public opinion - which we're already seeing.

[Disturbed]

59. The Dems did not have to send Busholini a War Spending Bill.

In this case it would have been better if they had done nothing. Most of the Dems were afraid of the perception that they weren't "supporting the troops", which is a BS concept foisted upon them by the RWing & their Media Shills. Hell, they couldn't even muster up to Impeach Gonzo, who committed Perjury in Congress multiple times. Yeah, they are a huge disappointment.

[WilliamPitt]

57. Because a lot of people thought a new majority would translate into instant change.

A lot of people were wrong, and wrong for reasons that are no fault of the Democrats.

American democracy in general, and our legislative process specifically, are slow by design. The founding premise of America was to create popular government free of the absolute-ruler excesses of the Stuart Kings (see: John Locke).

Those who rule by fiat can create instant change with the wave of a hand, rarely for the better. Our system is slow, technical and maddening completely on purpose, because it was inspired by absolute rulers who spurned parliamentary interference and ruled by claiming to be akin to God on Earth.

Has it worked? Sort of. Does it need work? Absolutely. Is the lack of instant change since November all because of Democrats' failures to act? Hardly.

Is it better than a non-Lockean alternative? Without a doubt.

[Evergreen Emerald]

58. because they promised. To do something

They were all talk. When the republicans were the majority the dems could do nothing. When the dems are the majority the dems could do nothing. They are not fighting.

[WinkyDink]

61. Is it the Iraq war or the "Impeachment is off the table" or both ...? YES.

[opihimoimoi]

62. The GOP Denigration DEPT is in full swing...they are piling on..making a neg situation worse than it

really is

[SoCalDem]

63. Same reason why Al Gore Invented the internet, and why Kerry was not a war hero

and why George Bush is a great guy to have a beer with, and why Hillary is shrill, and why americans don't want free health care..

media tell us what they want us to think, and then they repeat it over and over until some people actually believe it.

It's pure propaganda 24-7...

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Propaganda_techniques

[Toots]

67. So how did Democrats ever win the Majority anyway?

I ask the same to conservatives when they holler "liberal Media" I ask how did Reagan and Nixon and Bush I and Bush* ever get elected or selected as the case may be? In the last thirty years the Republicans have outnumbered Democrats two to one in Presidents..Did the "Liberal Media" make that happen or did it happen in spite of the "Liberal Media"

[thegreatcause2]

64. UNLIKE LIKE JOHN WAYNE IN THE SHOOTIST

The speaker hesitates to pull the trigger. Bush should be disgraced with impeachment. The speaker could at least use the threat of impeachment as a bartering chip to gain the advantage with Bush. I sadly think that the speaker is not evil enough. Machiavelli said a prince must go the way of evil when necessary. Peloisi's civility is no match against the evil of the Sith Lord Cheney and his apprentice George Bush.

[HappyWeasel]

65. We just gotta blame the problems with congress...

on the GOP. Its their fault they have fillibustered everything we promised.

[BlooInBloo]

69. Because idiots, rather than admit they were wrong to expect magic...

.... take their idiocy out on her/them.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

71. They've made no solid moves or even STATEMENTS about ending the war

or resolving the health care crisis.

They seem to be rolling over for Bush again, and whenever they do propose anything, it's all in terms of, "If you please, Mr. Bush, sir, we'd like to present this little itty bitty proposal, but it's fine if you don't like it..."

[KAT119]

72. They gave * a blank check to continue the Iraq war when they could have

done more to defund it.Too afraid R's would accuse them of "abandoning" the troops! They hold the purse strings!

[moondust]

73. Public with unrealistic expectations.

And demanding instant gratification.

Apparently a LOT of people don't understand that a simple majority in Congress is not necessarily enough to make anything happen.

Count the votes, do the math, keep one eye on the veto pen.

[Toots]

74. They don't necessarily have to make things happen, they need to make it look

like they are trying to make things happen..As well the Republicans know, appearance matters. Make it appear that they are attempting to create good things. Introduce bills, even if you know there is not a chance in hell they will pass, but will give an opportunity for publicity.. Appearance matters......they have not made a good appearance...