Earlier Jed compiled video of the things that
made Republicans sad at the State of the Union Address last night. Now let's look at each of the topics in which Democrats stood and cheered while Republicans sat on their hands:
That it's a good thing that after 12 long years the war in Afghanistan is finally coming to an end
ABC/WaPo:
Worth fighting the war in Afghanistan: 30%
Not worth fighting: 66%
That Congress shouldn't shut down government or threaten the full faith and credit of the United States
CBS/NYT: 80 percent say threat of government shutdown is unacceptable.
Continue below the fold for the continuing litany of popular things Republicans oppose.
That Congress should pass legislation to put more Americans to work in the tech manufacturing sector
Poll finds jobs as a top priority for Washington. "90% have a favorable view of American manufacturing companies."
That he'll protect natural lands with his executive power
Gallup: Is government doing too much, too little, or about right amount of environmental protection?
Too much: 16
Too little: 47
About right: 35
Congress should repeal tax breaks for Big Oil
A total of
74 percent wanted to see them gone when last polled. The energy industry is feeling the heat, so they commissioned this
crazy-worded poll. Look at questions seven and eight for a primer in how to NOT conduct a real poll.
That Congress should restore unemployment insurance that it let expire at the end of the year
A total of
58 percent want extension of emergency unemployment benefits.
That women deserve equal pay for equal work
A total of
90 percent of Americans support this. Yes. NINETY. Congressional Republicans are in the fringe 10 percent.
That nobody who works full time should have to raise a family in poverty, so Congress should raise the minimum wage to $10.10
A total of
71 percent want minimum wage increased.
That Congress shouldn't have another 40+ votes to repeal Obamacare
CBS: [Health care law] Needs to be repealed: 34% (down from 43 percent last November)
That votes, not money, should drive democracy
AP: 83 percent of Americans want limits on corporate spending on elections.
That he'll work to prevent more tragedies like Sandy Hook
CBS: Should gun laws be more strict, less strict, or kept the same?
More: 49
Less: 12
Same: 36
Republicans are on the wrong side of every one of these except, arguably, the environment question (which gives a narrow edge to those who don't think there needs to be additional environmental protections). But on every other issue, and there's lots of them, Republicans are at odds with public opinion.
It's now on Democrats to push that advantage because, as last night proved, Republicans are intent on sticking with their minority fringe position to the bitter end.