Congress approval lowest since Sept 1999 - NBC First Read

[Democrat 4 Ever]

First Read: The day in politics by NBC News for NBC News
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The wings of the GOP may be spreading despite the best efforts of its social conservative base. Not only are the party's most popular figures not named Bush or Cheney pro-choice, but now California may join Massachusetts in allowing same-sex marriages -- meaning that the only two states to do so would both be governed by Republicans with big ambitions. Governor Schwarzenegger said on MSNBC's Hardball last night that he doesn't believe in gay marriage, but would not seek to amend California's constitution if the state supreme court rules that a ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional.

Amidst the looming prospects of the Senate going nuclear and deadlocking, and of Tom DeLay's ethics problems distracting the House GOP, USA Today reports new Gallup data showing Congress with its lowest approval rating since September 1999: 37% approval, 53% disapproval. DeLay is out and about today, keynoting a GOP House campaign committee (NRCC) conference on tax reform at the Washington Hilton at 12 noon. He'll speak for about 20 minutes with no Q&A. Beyond tax reform, he is expected to talk about the legislative agenda, including Social Security. A coalition of good-government groups holds a presser at 10:00 am to denounce the House Ethics Committee stalemate.

For More: Today's edition of First Read is available now at http://www.FirstRead.MSNBC.com !

The worm slowly turns. Do you think these guys still think they have a mandate?

[coloradodem2005]

1. Oh B-O-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y!!!!

:D

[Rageneau]

2. 37 percent is waaaay too high

The Democrats could ride this dissatisfaction to majorities in both houses if they'd get off their butts and start attacking.

Gingrich turned our lives upside down by running against a congress that had a HIGHER approval rate than this one. Incumbent majorities SHOULD pay a price when the public is disgruntled with them.

If Democrats had half the fight and a third the meanness of the GOP, we might still see a fortunate future ahead. But because we have too many Bidens, Liebermans and Nelsons, (and Landreauxs and Lincolns and Feingolds and Pryors, etc.), that ain't likely.

[KharmaTrain]

3. Do They Care?

Look at Bunnypants still running around with his lies about Social Security. He and his minyons know this is a disastrous plan but they're gonna ramrod it through come hell or high water...the big banks and brokerage houses demand their contributions be paid back.

DeLay is a non-story until this weasel dick is indicted, and then he'll still be dangerous. Right now, this goon is still going about his "hammering", and probably with more urgency now since he's gotta be feeling the heat and better cut sure deals before they get away. Bets are the current DeLay crap will fade unless the Tarrant Co. DA finally moves since his power of intimidation is so strong no GOOP has the stones to stand up to him. This dude won't go quietly and if he feels trapped or caged, he will be his most dangerous. I consider this vermin animal, not human.

The corporate media is more interested beating a local Atlanta news story that should have faded last Friday until something happens with Michael Jackson or Robert Blake or some Democrat says or appears to say or do something Rove and his ilk can spin into a media distraction.

Unfortunately so many people have been turned into sheeple and dumned down that they don't want to hear about the corruption of this regime, they don't want to see the invasion this regime has gotten them into, they don't want to know how bad this economy is being pillaged by greed and short-sightedness and our healthcare system has gone to hell.

They're afraid to speak and have gone into shells. I'll bet a majority of people in this country don't even know who DeLay is...or even the name of their own Senator yet alone Representative. That's a big, big problem.

Sadly I see precious little the Democratic party is currently doing to help seed and organize campaigns against Repugnicans next year and we could face many of these slime merchants in the House facing uncontested races! Disgraceful.

[Democrat 4 Ever]

4. Well, I think the Congress is finally figuring out that King Chimpy

is radioactive. Here he is hopscotching all over the country trying to sell his Social Security plan and half way through the Lies, Lies and More Lies Tour the Chimp can't get public approval over 35-36%. Now Congress how to face the fact that their mandate so gleefully declared back in November was just a figment of their own massive egos and imagination.

The repugs live and die on the idea that everybody is out for their own best interest and will act accordingly. The repugs want to stay in office no matter what so they will have to adjust their methods and message. They can pretend to ignore the poll data forever but it will be their own deaths the MSM will be reporting in 2006. I just hope the American people finally wise up and realize that the repukes message during a campaign and what they actually do after elected are often poles apart and they can't be trusted. I'm thinking the tide is turning for the poll figures to be so disastrous this quickly after an election. Guess you could say I see the glass as half full.

[KharmaTrain]

5. So We Wait For Them To Destruct?

You state more the reason the time for Democrats to organize and energize their local parties and Congressional races is now!

Too many waited and wished and hoped the Repugnicans into misteps and they don't happen. I don't want to win by default, I want to win with a strong, growing and energized party.

[Democrat 4 Ever]

6. I completely agree with you. Now is the time to attack

keep attacking, don't let up for one single minute. I guess the point I was making by starting this thread is that the repukes are shooting themselves in the foot and we need to keep re-loading the gun for them while pushing an agenda that is more reflective of the majority of American people.

[KharmaTrain]

7. Not Attack, Organize!

Right now there are different groups with different agendas heading in different directions. There is little "command and control" coming from the top ranks of the Democratic Party.

Truth is, I don't give a rat's ass about the Repugnicans and their squabbles, I want an alternative party that works hard on connecting with people, developing strong local and county parties and begin restructuring the political dynamic from the grassroots up.

Right now we not only don't have a gun...we don't have a bullets and even if we did, we couldn't shoot straight.

[cry baby]

8. It would be a good time for Dr. Dean to hit the political talk shows.

He really has a way of galvanizing most Dems. He could call for organization.