George Washington University has released its Battleground 2006 Poll findings and the results reflect an ever increasing anti-Washington mood. The data shows that both Democrats and Republicans have lost the trust of broad segments of the American electorate. The party best able to translate these negative feelings into policy reforms stands the best chance at the polls. GWU Battleground Poll findings:
Of the leaders tested in this latest GW-Battleground Poll, the image of both President George W. Bush (45% favorable/53% unfavorable) and Vice President Dick Cheney (42% favorable/51% unfavorable) are net negative. Equally negative are the image ratings of Democratic leaders like frontrunner for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination Sen. Hillary Clinton (45% favorable/51% unfavorable) and Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean (31% favorable/45% unfavorable). Of all the Washington leaders examined, only Sen. John McCain (65% favorable/18% unfavorable) has chiseled out a positive "bi-partisan" image with the American electorate.
On the issue of congressional reform and lobbying reform, every reform tested, with one exception, has the support of at least two-thirds of the likely electorate. This includes diverse proposals like greater disclosure by lobbyists about their work and their level of congressional contacts (87% support), greater disclosure by members of Congress about their contact with lobbyists and about campaign contributions from lobbyists (86%), a broader gift ban (79% support), greater transparency on congressional pay raises (76%), increasing the lobbying ban on former members to two years (75%), changing the contribution limits on PACs and individuals (73%), banning lobbying on the floor of the House and in the House gym (67%), a broader travel ban (67%), and ending earmarks (59%).
The anti-Washington mood is especially evident when respondents are asked to choose which party is most at fault for the current state of affairs. 64% of voters polled believe both parties are equally responsible for the current problems facing Congress. 92% of voters who want Congress to find practical, workable solutions to the nation's ills believe that Washington puts partisan politics before the good of the electorate. With the leaders of both parties suffering from this negative public perception, third-party grassroots candidates and movements have a unique opportunity to present viable political alternatives if they can organize, raise money, and find a voice. Regardless, the old guard has been warned. With numbers like these, all the 'framing' in the world can't put a positive spin on the current political crisis.
Amanda is a managing editor at OpEdNews and has worked with Rob Kall on the site since 2004. A retired research ethnographer specializing in organization and technological innovation and strategic business development, she now resides in Georgia where she builds and restores wooden and fiberglass boats with her husband, Tom, a retired electrical engineer. Amanda grew up in the Commonwealth of Kentucky on the 9AA that runs along the Ohio in an area that gave the world Larry Flynt, the Clooneys, Roy Rogers, Tommy T. Hall, Jesse Stuart, Henry Clay, and some of best bootleggers the Feds never caught. [Amanda is on a medical leave of absence until further notice.]
Amanda Lang, PhD - Virginia Tech '93; US Army Veteran, E-5, 52D20
We only have nine months until November and since here in California one had to file with the registrar of voters in Febuary it is to late to find opponents for Feinstein and Boxer. The idea of a third party for this period is an excellent one.
Nader might just have a good chance in this one if he ran for Congress and used the time in Congress to such good effect that in 2008 he could win the presidency.
by
gramps (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 107 comments)
on Saturday, March 4, 2006 at 5:12:13 PM
Based on the poll results reported in this article, John McCain has the only positive poll ratings among the leading American politicians.
Have people forgotten McCain's support for Texas Senator Phil Gramm's Presidential run?
McCain was and is a die hard right winger. A charter member of the plutocratic party who Progressives profess to despise.
More recently, in his '00 run for the GOP Presidential nomination when he campaigned from a bus called the Straight Talk Express, John McCain declared his conviction that GW Bush is unsuited for the Presidency.
Name an issue, find daylight between McCain and the President. What is the poll telling us? The American people support Bush policies, but don't like Bush?
Could the polls be telling us that the public is willing to accept well wrapped package and a caring image when it votes?
Bush presented such an image and has won every election he has stood in. What is his record as Governor of Texas or President of the US? Do either match the political image?
It is possible that McCain is the best candidate among the announced candidates so far. Nonetheless, the election is two years away. There is plenty of time still to examine the McCain record, judge his character and observe his leadership ability.
Don't be fooled by manipulation of the press and slick campaign ads. Look for someone who works in the vineyard of electing other candidates, who shows up at their regular job and discharges their duties, at someone who works to build a governing consensus among officials, party activists and the voters.
Look for someone who votes in favor of the poor, of the worker, of the needy and of those abused by the system.
Using those criteria a lot of the people taking heat in these early polls will look a lot better and John McCain, well... he will remain the Senator from Arizona.
Robert Chapman
Lansing, New York
by
Robert Chapman (28 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 556 comments)
on Saturday, March 4, 2006 at 6:02:51 PM
2 comments
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