Will Republican Leaders Listen To Republicans
Greg Sargent points out the trend. Republicans aren’t happy with their Republican leaders.
The approval rating of GOP leaders among Republicans has plummeted 12 points in a month, down from 55% in February to a minority of 43% now. That’s striking.
Not only that, but approval of GOP leaders overall has dropped to 28% overall — the lowest rating for GOP leaders in 12 years of Pew polling.
In fact, approval of Republican congressional leaders has fallen from 34% in February to 28% currently, the lowest rating for GOP leaders in nearly 14 years of Pew Research surveys.
Why is this happening? Is it general lack of morale among Republicans? Is it that GOP voters are frustrated that their leaders haven’t succeeded in blocking Obama’s agenda? Or could it be that the Dem strategy of using Rush Limbaugh to drive a wedge between die-hard partisan Republicans and those who want to see Obama succeed is working? Something is turning Republicans against their own leadership — in big numbers.
Hmm… what could possibly be turning Republicans against their leadership? Could it be that their new RNC Chair is a constant source of embarrassment? Or that most have come to accept Rush Limbaugh is in charge? Or does it have something to do with the fact that the Republican Congress has abdicated its role as a governing body in exchange for sitting on the sidelines waiting to say I told you so.
All of these scenarios certainly aren’t helping, and all say the same thing: Republicans aren’t serious and don’t deserve to be taken seriously. That is the problem. If Republican leadership wants Republican support then they need to give them something to support. Yes, it really is that simple.
But feel free to keep telling yourselves that your problems stem from not being conservative enough. Keep deferring to Rush and, by all means, keep Steele talking (pretty please with sugar on top!), and while you’re doing those things make sure you keep your legislative strategy of “No” because it’s working so well for you.
And, finally, you really should ignore the three polls Sargent cites. We all know that those dissatisfied GOPers aren’t real Republicans. Keep up the good work. I think you’re doing a heckofa job!
Tags: Republican Party
I think the bottom line is that legislators are elected to govern not just whine and snipe at the other party. That’s what people like Rush Limbaugh are for. I think the high level of activity in the new Congress is why the Congressional Democrat’s ratings have risen so much. We have a crisis going on and we want them to DO SOMETHING.
Exactly – DO SOMETHING.
Why is that so hard to understand? Sniping at Obama is fine if you have an alternative. And that’s what I think these polls are reflecting. It goes something like this…
Republican: Obama’s policies are bad for America.
Other Person: What are the Republican solutions?
Republican: Um… well… Obama’s a socialist!
That’s correct, Pandora. I would add:
Since Reagan, the GOP has positioned itself firmly on the extreme right.
I say extreme, because they have been unwilling to work out compromises and solutions, posturing instead with their so-called principles.
Of course, when they are in power, they can get by with this approach. However, they have proven themselves unable to change, as has been the case since 2006, which is one reason why they have been losing elections.
Under the leadership of Rush, their influence has further deteriorated into utter stupidity.
This is most unfortunate, as I feel the majority Dems need a fresh challenge from the loyal opposition. That way, better policy and legislation can emerge.
Where are more of the Hegels, the Lugars, the Spectors, the Snows, the Collins’s and the like.
Republicans should be looking to them for guidance and leadership, but they have no clue, unfortunately.
Instead, they choose to base their political future on a gamble, a gamble that Obama will fail.
What good is that for a country in deep stress?
Ask DV!
True, Perry. And, in my wisdom, I have decided that what the Republicans are doing equates to a major temper tantrum. Funny, but I’m not kidding.
I absolutely agree, Pandora. A major problem with their stand right now is that the only way it succeeds is if Obama and the country fails.