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New poll full of bad news for Democrats
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Reuters*–*The United States Capitol building is seen in Washington March 19, 2010 file photo. REUTERS/Jim Bourg
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51*mins*ago
Democrats already knew they were facing a tough Election Day this November, but new poll numbers out tonight show the party has lost significant ground with a crucial voting bloc. The latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds that self-described independent voters, credited with helping Democrats take control of Congress in 2006, have switched their allegiance to Republicans.
According to the poll, 38 percent of so-called independents say they will vote for Republicans this November, with only 30 percent for Democrats. Four years ago, ahead of the '06 midterms, the same poll found that 40 percent of independents favored Democrats, with only 24 percent for Republicans.
Asked which of the two major parties should control Congress, respondents were deadlocked. But when asking only voters most interested in the outcome this November, 56 percent supported the GOP and only 36 percent supported the Dems. That's the largest split in more than a year.
Yes, Republicans shouldn't rest easy. While the poll suggests the GOP is on the verge of a comeback, it also measured a strong anti-incumbent feeling toward both parties. Among those surveyed, only 21 percent said they approve of the job Congress is doing, while 72 percent gave a thumbs-down. (By comparison, President Obama's job rating is virtually unchanged, with a 50 percent approval rating.)
The Democratic Party and the Republican Party earned equally dismal reviews. So why are Republicans gaining in the polls? Based on this survey, it's not about their leadership, policies or message. Those surveyed say their vote is based less on the GOP and more on their opposition to Obama and the Democrats. Not exactly something for Republicans to cheer about but, in the end, a victory is a victory.
The bad news for Obama is that numbers like this make it less likely that Democrats, especially those in tough races, will play ball on what was already expected to be an incredibly tough legislative summer. Heading into the fall, the White House had hoped to tackle not only a rewrite of the nation's financial laws but also major immigration reform and an energy/climate change bill.
As Election Day inches closer, especially with polling numbers like this, that to-do list grows more difficult by the day.
Buzz up!52 votes
SendSharePrint
Reuters*–*The United States Capitol building is seen in Washington March 19, 2010 file photo. REUTERS/Jim Bourg
More from The Newsroom:
Democratic Senator asks evangelical leaders to convert a Republican on immigration reform
Would new Palin book thwart a 2012 presidential run?
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New WH vid: Elena Kagan, a nerd you can trust
Scott Brown's modeling photos reveal thick coif, dreamy eyes and 'excellent hands'
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More »
51*mins*ago
Democrats already knew they were facing a tough Election Day this November, but new poll numbers out tonight show the party has lost significant ground with a crucial voting bloc. The latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds that self-described independent voters, credited with helping Democrats take control of Congress in 2006, have switched their allegiance to Republicans.
According to the poll, 38 percent of so-called independents say they will vote for Republicans this November, with only 30 percent for Democrats. Four years ago, ahead of the '06 midterms, the same poll found that 40 percent of independents favored Democrats, with only 24 percent for Republicans.
Asked which of the two major parties should control Congress, respondents were deadlocked. But when asking only voters most interested in the outcome this November, 56 percent supported the GOP and only 36 percent supported the Dems. That's the largest split in more than a year.
Yes, Republicans shouldn't rest easy. While the poll suggests the GOP is on the verge of a comeback, it also measured a strong anti-incumbent feeling toward both parties. Among those surveyed, only 21 percent said they approve of the job Congress is doing, while 72 percent gave a thumbs-down. (By comparison, President Obama's job rating is virtually unchanged, with a 50 percent approval rating.)
The Democratic Party and the Republican Party earned equally dismal reviews. So why are Republicans gaining in the polls? Based on this survey, it's not about their leadership, policies or message. Those surveyed say their vote is based less on the GOP and more on their opposition to Obama and the Democrats. Not exactly something for Republicans to cheer about but, in the end, a victory is a victory.
The bad news for Obama is that numbers like this make it less likely that Democrats, especially those in tough races, will play ball on what was already expected to be an incredibly tough legislative summer. Heading into the fall, the White House had hoped to tackle not only a rewrite of the nation's financial laws but also major immigration reform and an energy/climate change bill.
As Election Day inches closer, especially with polling numbers like this, that to-do list grows more difficult by the day.