Contrary to the notion that Congress is less popular than the president, a 1/31/06
WSJ poll showed public favor of Congress in directing federal policy over Bush by a 2:1 margin (49% to 25%). Four years ago, the figures were 44% to 32% in favor of Bush.
The poll suggests that Bush may be entering a status which rhymes with 'Plame muck,' a little under three years before his term ends. Bush's 'lowered expectations' State of the Union is expected to be a take-what-you-can-get outlook for the upcoming mid-term election year.
More on the poll inside.
From Story de Raw:
A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll shows health care at the top of Americans' priority list, with 76% calling increased access and lower costs "an absolute priority" for 2006. Two-thirds say it is time to reduce troop levels in Iraq, while just 28% support maintaining existing troop levels.
Unfortunately, those 76% will be left waiting for Congress to devise a sensable approach since Bush's HSA plan lacks both vision and universality.
However, when asked if only one policy objective could be accomplished those polled supported bringing most of the troops home from Iraq over increased acccess to health care 35% to 20%.
Americans polled also saw Bush as less honest and straightforward. Last year's result was 50%, this year's dropped to just 38%.
Republican pollster Bill McInturff, who was among those conducting the survey, called the political landscape for Bush 'gray and gloomy.' 39% polled believe that the Bush administration has a 'misguided and harmful agenda.' Anticipating this lack of political capital, Bush will tonight announce a rather meager plan with very little ambition other than to 'stay the course' and perhaps make some of his tax cuts permanent.
The lone bright spot in the poll is public perception of the NSA's warrantless surveillance program. 51% surveyed support the program. However, 56% were concerned about its potential for abuse and civil liberty violations and 53% said that warrants should be obtained prior to wiretapping.
As for Congress, the poll showed continuing support for a Dem. majority by a 47% to 38% margin. 46% believed a new candidate should be elected as their Representative, over 41% preferring re-election. In terms of what the Dem. approach should be, 58% preferred for the party to act as a check on Bush and the Republicans. 34% supported bipartisan support in passing Bush's policies.