According to a new Pew poll, congressional Democrats now enjoy the favorable opinion of less than half of Americans (49%).  That figure is down 10 points since April.  President Obama's approval numbers continue to slide as well, down to 51% in the poll and in Gallup's daily tracking poll.

By contrast, the Pew poll shows Republicans standing pat at a miserable 40% favorable mark, unchanged significantly all year.  However, with public opinion of the healthcare reform plan being tossed around between Obama and the Democrats reaching all-time lows, the GOP's opposition to it will eventually see that number begin to rise.  And with Democrats eagerly rushing to attach themselves to this sinking ship, things could look much brighter for the minority party when votes are cast once again a little less than 15 months from now.  For sure, taking a go-it-alone approach on the issue will tie the Democratic Party inexorably to its fortunes much like Iraq became Bush's make or break issue.  This conservative blogger, for one, welcomes their gamble.



Filed under:  Approval ratings  The Democratic Party  Healthcare  President Obama