Former U.S. presidents would not be amused with last week’s public opinion polls, which find intense public dissatisfaction with government. People aren’t happy with either political party and feel like lawmakers in Washington are out of touch with their priorities.
A Rasmussen poll found that 60 percent of likely voters don’t think either party understands what the people and country need most. 75 percent of respondents are “angry” with the government’s current policies.
Similarly, a CBS News/New York Times poll found 70 percent of Americans – including 73 percent of Independents – are either “dissatisfied” or “angry” with how things are going in Washington. Why? 59 percent of respondents think government is doing too many things better left to individuals and businesses.
The general discontent with Washington has led more of the public to be against the growth of government. A Pew Research Center poll found 46 percent feel the government should have more control over the economy while 42 percent do not. Last March 54 percent wanted government to have a larger role while just 37 percent did not.
Pew said anti-incumbent sentiment is as high as it has been in its 16 years of surveys. 31 percent of voters don’t even want their current representative back in office after this year’s election.
Some politicians have been quick to react with promises of a more fiscally responsible government. Will their actions reflect their rhetoric?
Tags: cbs news, government, new york times, pew, polls, President's Day, public opinion, rasmussen
