I realize these poll numbers aren't as reliable as, say, Sean Hannity's Republican pollsters Scott Rasmussen and John Zogby (and their "likely voter" samples derived from Alabama, Mississippi and the campus of Bob Jones University), but Gallup has President Obama's Job Approval Rating jumping 4 points and his Disapproval Rating dipping 3 points in less than a week. For Republicans joining today's lesson, that's an aggregate 7-point overall swing.
http://www.gallup.com/...
To what do we attribute this amazing short-term turnaround in popularity?
It could have something to do with the following factors:
- Despite lagging employment and wage indicators, economic data regarding manufacturing is looking more and more promising. In spite of yesterday's drop, the stock market has resumed some stability as U.S productivity grew at its fastest pace in six years. Labor costs dropped by 5.9% as well, meaning businesses may finally be starting to roll up the sort of profits that will allow some increased hiring and at last bring back that nagging unemployment indicator.
- The dialogue over the town halls is finally starting to move over to the Democratic side. Useless idiots like Michele Bauchmann and Lynn Jenkins, while still being slobbered on by the reactionary talk-radio crowd, are starting to be scoffed at by the American public. Their tactics and hyperbole are contributing nothing to the debate. Democrats, on the other hand, are getting positive messages out via groups like the AARP (Juuuuust a bit more credible than Bauchmann...). In other words, the worm has turned - and it's packing a hammer this time.
- The American people actually do understand what is at stake regarding health care reform and they support the man they elected to lead the country.
Whatever the reason(s), it is imperative that the Democratic Party come out swinging on health care reform when congress resumes. Blue Dogs, play time is over. It's time to get your head out of your ass and stand with the president and other party members in congress or start packing your bags.
As for Republicans and town hall screamers, your 15 minutes are up. The Democratic majority was elected by the American people to reform - and reform the country's health care system we will...with or without you.