Bush’s approval rating hits new low.
By on Oct 4th, 2007 at 11:52 am
Bush’s approval rating hits new low.
Just 31 percent of the American public approves of the job President Bush is doing, the “lowest level” ever ever recorded in the AP-Ipsos poll. “Bush also hit a new low with 31 percent approving of his work on domestic issues like health care, just below June’s 32 percent.”
View Most Popular
Advertisement
What We're About
What We're Fighting For
What We're Fighting Against
Featured
Subscribe to the Progress Report
Topic CloudView topics sorted by popularity
Afghanistan
Bachmann
Beck
Boehner
Bush
Business
Cheney
Civil Rights
Congress
Corporate Ethics
Dobbs
Education
Election
Energy
Environment
Ethics
Fox News
Gingrich
Glenn Beck
Global Warming
Guantanamo
Health Care
Immigration
International Relations
Justice
LGBT
Lieberman
Limbaugh
Media
Military
O'Reilly
Obama
Palin
Pelosi
Politics
Race
Radical Right
Religion
Steele
Stimulus
Tea Parties
Technology
Terrorism
Veterans
Women's Rights
Visit Our Affiliated Sites
Reports
In-depth studies on select topics
Got a hot tip?
Have a hot news tip? We'd love to hear from you. Use the form below to send us the latest.
ArchivesBlog Roll
How many comments before some idiot talks about how low congress’ ratings are?
October 4th, 2007 at 11:55 amand yet america continues to suck the proverbial bush cock.
October 4th, 2007 at 11:55 amEven the hand-picked Chamber of Commerce crowd in conservative Lancaster, PA was scowling at him when he tried defend his SCHIP veto yesterday.
October 4th, 2007 at 11:56 amAs usual, I am constantly amazed when these polls come out.
Who are these 31-percenters? Do they ever read a newspaper, watch the news, converse with anyone whose IQ is higher than 50?
October 4th, 2007 at 11:56 amWhen are the powers that be going to start talking and listening to the other 69%??
October 4th, 2007 at 11:59 amLower than a snakes belly at the bottom of a gold mine in South Africa. Impeach already!
October 4th, 2007 at 12:02 pm#4 AMEN ! A friend suggested Bush could have intercourse with a goat on the White House lawn and still have supporters.
I thought we passed (downward) 31% eons ago.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:05 pmWho are these 31-percenters? Do they ever read a newspaper, watch the news, converse with anyone whose IQ is higher than 50?
Comment by tom — October 4, 2007 @ 11:56 am
These people are not mentally retarded. They are smart enough to know wrong from right. However, their hatred for gays, minorities, science, and liberals is so strong they will ignore all reason and will always side with the Republicans.
They are motivated by hate and fear, not reason.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:08 pm“Who are these 31-percenters? Do they ever read a newspaper, watch the news, converse with anyone whose IQ is higher than 50?”
Comment by tom — October 4, 2007 @ 11:56 am
tom- I’d be willing to guess that 31 is about the same percentage of people who believe that Elvis is still alive, big foot roams the northern woods and Iraq was somehow involved in the 9/11 attacks. “Do they ever read a newspaper”-sure, the New York Post
October 4th, 2007 at 12:08 pm“watch the news”-sure, FOX News.
We have a winnah!
October 4th, 2007 at 12:08 pmComment by John Kerry
I love how you pretend that the Democratic majority somehow represents us. Like we’re the unpopular ones. They keep doing what YOU want them to do, dumbass, not what WE want them to do. So the low approval of Congress represent a low approval of YOU, not us. We can’t seem to get them to stand up for our ideals and values, they just roll over and do what YOU want them to do.
Plus, you’re also assuming that we support the Democratic Congress like you mindless zombies support your representatives. We do not. Hence the low approval rating. But I’m sure you will just respond with some McDonalds Happy Meal talking points filler.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:09 pmThis would matter, if Bush were running for re-election, or if the Congress were held by Republicans, but neither is the case.
Your well honed tactics for disrupting the status quo are worthless when you yourselfs are part and parcel to the status quo.
If you have any questions, check the other threads with liberal nutrooters calling for their brethren to register Independent (as if they would ever not vote for the eventual Dem nominee, how cute).
October 4th, 2007 at 12:10 pm#9 – “I thought we passed (downward) 31% eons ago.” Comment by texaslady — October 4, 2007 @ 12:05 pm
It did. That was by a different polling company.
This one is the lowest that the AP-Ipsos poll received.
The approval numbers of the Democratic Led Congress match those of when the Republican Led Congress began their tenure. An interesting fact that the right-whiners oh-so conveniently forget in their rush to spin the news. Go figure.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:11 pm2/3 of this country disagrees with the rightwing on just about everything now, especially the war. Congress is unpopular because we can’t stand them either for stabbing us in the back and rolling over like giant pussies and not representing us well. But of course you seem to think that you’re insulting US by insulting the spineless democrats. I’ve got news for you buddy, anyone who has no guts is not representing me.
I probably shouldn’t try to get you to follow logic. I’m afraid you might have some kind of seizure or brain spasm.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:14 pmHey # 4
Congress is what, 52% Democratic and 48% Republican? I wouldn’t take too much stake in a congressional approval rating when the balance of power is so slight.
Regardless, if you’re looking for a reason this number is low, its probably because people are pissed that Bush hasn’t been impeached.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:15 pmComment by John Kerry — October 4, 2007 @ 12:04 pm
Thanks JK!
From the Washington Post:
“By a 2 to 1 margin, those who see little accomplishment in Congress’s first nine months blame the inaction on Bush and the GOP more than they do the majority Democrats. Fifty-one percent place primary fault with the president and congressional Republicans, and 25 percent on the Democrats. Among independents, 43 percent blame Republicans, 23 percent Democrats and nearly three in 10 blame both sides equally.”
If you want the link, let me know, but I am sure you already knew this.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:15 pmBush doing the Limbo; ‘How Low Can You Go’?
Fake name poster in, right on cue, ‘but what about congress’?
One would think that Blackwater & ‘Double Super Secret Not Even Sec/State Knows’ policies will help diminish these low approval ratings even further downward.
BTW, where’s Darth Cheney’s approval standing at nowadays? (-4%)
October 4th, 2007 at 12:16 pm#14:
Hey, as long as I get some fries, I’m happy.
The registration system is awesome. Trolls are still here, but not nearly as prevalent and annoying.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:16 pmThe 31 % are corporate CEO’s protecting the Golden Parachutes, the people who think they are in the upper 1% and BY GOD they earned their money didn’t taken NO GOVERNMENT HANDOUTS.
But hey, who bailed out the airlines, Enron, World Com, Tyco, on and on. But BY GOD it is just the lazy liberals who want to give our money to the poor all the time.
There actually is a line between mean spirited and free money to all. It is called a 3rd party…a People’s Party.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:17 pmAnyone who still supports Bush and his neo-con gang of thugs can no longer plead ignorance as an excuse – they are simply EVIL — no ifs, ands or buts.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:18 pmI think I found Cheney’s approval ratings…anyone have a rotor rooter?
October 4th, 2007 at 12:19 pmThe 30 percenters are the same as all those germans after WW2: “We didn’t know about the camps!” Sure you didn’t.
In the coming years JUST WATCh them pervaricate. Never let them worm away from the fact they supported a dictator.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:20 pm“Congress’ job performance was approved by just 22 percent, continuing a gradual decline in the public’s assessment since Democrats took over in January. Its lowest reading in the poll was 24 percent, recorded most recently in July.
Ah, you kinda forgot to mention this! I’m sure it was just a mistake!!”
Comment by John Kerry — October 4, 2007 @ 12:04 pm
Don’t know when your survey was from, JK. These are the most recent numbers I could find. Jeez, seems like your Republicans are like a heavy weight tied around the House’s ankle, just dragging them further and further down. Guess the country is waking up and realizing just how obstructionist your Reps in the House actually are!
“Despite discontent with Congress this year, the public rates congressional Republicans (29 percent approve) lower than congressional Democrats (38 percent approve).”
October 4th, 2007 at 12:20 pmWashington Post-October 2nd, 2007
I thought we passed (downward) 31% eons ago.
Comment by texaslady — October 4, 2007 @ 12:05 pm
Depends on which poll you go by. The AP-Ipsos poll generally gives Bush bigger numbers than other polls. They had Bush at 33% in September, 35% in August, and 33% in July.
The lowest approval rating (for any generally recognized poll) for Bush in 2007 came via the Newsweek poll, which rated him at 26% in June and again in July. Newsweek put him at 29% in August.
The highest 2007 rating for Bush was from the L.A. Times poll way back in January, which gave him a 39% rating.
However, I don’t think the telling thing here is what number Bush gets by what poll at any particular time — especially when the numbers only vary by a few points. I think the real story here is that Bush hasn’t had a rating over 50% BY ANY POLL for well over two years (could be significantly longer, but pollingreport.com only goes back two years).
October 4th, 2007 at 12:22 pmI think I found Cheney’s approval ratings…anyone have a rotor rooter?
Comment by Zimzone — October 4, 2007 @ 12:19 pm
Cheney’s approval ratings are “Top Secret” I suggest putting them back where you found them.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:24 pmDepends on which poll you go by. The AP-Ipsos poll generally gives Bush bigger numbers than other polls. They had Bush at 33% in September, 35% in August, and 33% in July.
The AP seems to be blocking for Rush too…wonder why theur poll numbers are consistently higher? Wonder no longer.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:25 pmMiss Molly – Good point ! I have to give Bush a hand though each week he does something more evil and stupid just when you think he can’t go any lower. He will have a legacy alright right there with O.J. Simpson.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:31 pmAnd he wonders why people don’t like him, if we had enough time we could list the reasons.
We voted the Democratic congress into power and they now hold a majority. WHY AREN”T THEY DOING ANYTHING?!?!? Whining about Rush Limbaugh is a waste of time and effort.
Poll numbers are like any other statistic and are only as good as the sample and population used so lets be careful here, they definately can be turned around because of Congress’s poor showing. Instead of saying “YEAAA Bush’s numbers are low” how about the Congress getting something, anything, done so their numbers go up incontrovertibly.
Now all the top candidates are back peddling on getting the troops out of Iraq…that was the platform most of them stood on, that and Bush is bad. Offer me some alternatives, lets get something done for the people who helped get you elected and stop sniping I can always vote the Unity party because at this point I don’t see anything but the names and parties changing and at the end of the day we all lose…again.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:37 pm…and to KrazNY, why would you call someone who points out Congress’ number from the same poll an idiot? Name calling is the last resort of a small mind. They would be reporting on no less of a factual basis then the post in the headline. Or do you feel an attempt at intimidation would deter a contractictor opinion?
October 4th, 2007 at 12:43 pmComparing approval ratings for Congress to those of the president is, and has always been a phony, apples & oranges comparison. Why? Because approval of the President is based on whether people like or dislike him and his policies. Congressional approval will almost always be lower because respondents will be dissatisfied for at least two reasons – congress is either too liberal or too conservative for the respondent’s tastes.
Additionally, people don’t need an understanding of how the process works to make a decision about the executive branch – they either like or dislike the policies, but congress is much more complex. The republicans have admitted that their strategy is to obstruct as much legislation as possible and then accuse Democrats of being ineffectual. The media, of course, plays along and people are dissatisfied with Democrats.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:47 pmRastomon confirms that the republican strategy is, in part, working when he asks, “WHY ARENâ€T THEY DOING ANYTHING?!?!?” He could be complaining about arcane proceedural obstruction, filibusters and vetos, but that would require a little more critical thinking.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:49 pmRastomon: “I can always vote the Unity party because at this point I don’t see anything but the names and parties changing and at the end of the day we all lose…again.”
It’s the same game plan all over again, folks. Phonies cry that there’s no difference between the parties and what we get is Bush. Remember 2000? Remember how the media and the various phonies kept repeating that there was no difference between Bush and Gore? How’d that work out?
October 4th, 2007 at 12:53 pmPhony John Kerry moniker has said that same thing a least a dozen times.
~~~~~~~~
Name calling is the last resort of a small mind.
Comment by Rastamon — October 4, 2007 @ 12:43 pm
Well, I agree Coulter, Limbaugh and Oreilly are as you suggest, since they, even tho they should know better, as adults, continually do so.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:53 pmRastoman: “Instead of saying “YEAAA Bush’s numbers are low†how about the Congress getting something, anything, done so their numbers go up incontrovertibly. ”
Actually, congress HAS gotten a few things done, but just for the sake of argument, Rastoman, do you have any thoughts on WHY it has been hard to get things done? And, I’m hoping for a little deeper analysis than “because they’re all the same.”
October 4th, 2007 at 12:55 pmComment by Michael
Sigh. Are you a bot?
October 4th, 2007 at 12:56 pmMichael: “Why did TP fail to mention that Congress’ approval rating was down to 22%?”
Possibly because comparing approval ratings of a large group of different individual lawmakers to the approval rating of one executive is a phony comparison. Possibly because this is a liberal site. What’s your point?
October 4th, 2007 at 12:57 pmJust in case anyone happens to be interested, here are several links to Pollngreport.com polls:
Bush Job trend
http://www.pollingreport.com/BushJob.htm
It was only the AP-Ipsos poll that is now at 31, he has been down as far as 26 in others
Just so some people don’t screamm, I have included Congress job trend:
http://www.pollingreport.com/CongJob.htm
I will say that although the congressional numbers are down currently, you will see they have not been above 40 for at least 3 years. Maybe we haven’t made any headway because certain reporting agencies will not call a fillibuster a fillibuster?
On another note, after eight years of this nonsense, it would appear that Bill Clinton is as popular as ever. His ratings are still at 66 and 71 as a good president:
http://www.pollingreport.com/wh-hstry.htm
Thanks for yor indulgence
October 4th, 2007 at 1:00 pmMichael sez:
Because they knew idiot mouthbreathing neocon apologists like you would invariably bleat it out?
What exactly do you think is the reason for Congress’ low approval rating, Mikey? Do you think it could have anything to do with the fact that we elected those Democrats to fix what Chimpy and his rubber-stamp Congress has broken, and they have so far refused to fulfill their campaign pledges? Hmm?
Crowing about the low approval rate of Congress is moronic, since the reason we’re so disapproving is because they’ve failed to rein in the Chimperor and put a halt to this continued rape of this country and the Middle East. But I know you won’t understand that, Mikey. Just keep swilling that Kool-Aid.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:02 pmDemocrats yearn for America to be defeated on the battlefield and oppose any use of the military — except when they can find individual malcontents in the military willing to deÂnounce the war and call for a humiliating reÂtreat. -Ann Coulter 9-17-2007
Coulter calls 72% of the military malcontents. I would say she has a small mind, but that verges on name calling Rastomon, instead I will praise the large cranium in which her mind swims freely about.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:02 pmKeith, thanks for citing Pollingreport.com. This site is completely non-partisan and all it does is compile poll results from most of the major polling organizations.
I highly suggest that anyone who thinks we live in a conservative country go to this site and click on the various “issues.” What you will find is that Americans overwhelmingly support the Democratic agenda.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:04 pmTrip, as far as approval ratings are concerned, Congress gets it from both ends of the spectrum – those who think they’re not liberal enough and those who think they’re too liberal.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:05 pmComment by Michael — October 4, 2007?
I dunno, genius, why didnt they?
October 4th, 2007 at 1:07 pmEven though Democrats now control both houses of Congress, the poll shows that only 37% of Democrats approve of the job Congress is doing right now.
http://www.galluppoll.com/content/?ci=27589
You happy now michael ann that it is higher than ]/\[’s?
October 4th, 2007 at 1:12 pmI doubt that 31% really approve. I think that in part from my own experiences in dealing wit large numbers of the public in a very Red State.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:14 pmBut of whatever percentage still really believe in our President are in denial not willing to admit that they were fools for so long.
The psychopath in chief and his cult followers have destroyed all that America stood for. It will be a long time before we can be proud again.
Hey Xisithrus, was thata reference to the C U Next Tuesday person?
October 4th, 2007 at 1:16 pm#50 How much control does Congress have with Libermann a closet Republican and the veto pen and signing statements on each bill. Bush has done more signing statements than any other President. Do any of you Bush supporters just feel a little concerned with this nut case and his finger on the button?
I just read that the ONLY thing keeping us out of Iran now is General Fallon CentCom Commander. But it must be like pushing a chain up a muddy slope.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:28 pmPhony John Kerry: “No matter how you left nut libs want to spin it, Congress is controlled by you libs!”
Senator Trent Lott: “Our goal is to obstruct as much of the Democrat agenda as possible and then accuse them of being ineffectual.”
October 4th, 2007 at 1:29 pmThank you, Col Jack, for saying what never gets addressed.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:31 pmJohn Faerie-
My congressman’s approval in my district is 84% (Jim McDermit, you know Bagdad Jim, the one who got it right).
It is the repukian scum that have the low congress approval ratings, and the dems are above them, but people are mad that they can’t get past the repukian scum.
Most districts approve of THEIR congress criter.
Buck Fush
October 4th, 2007 at 1:32 pmI am so tired of the Not-So-Right from obstructing every piece of legisaltion. I even sent a note to Harry Reid and told him to not cave in and make them read the phone book if necessary. But, of course, no response. Same as my Senatorial representation.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:33 pm….And away go troubles down the drain……so much for his legacy I guess. 31 and dropping really bites the big weenie, doesn’t it? Soon he’ll be in the twenties – no, his approval rating – not his IQ or maturity level.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:35 pmKeith: Harry Reid and Pelosi have become a total disappointment to the people. This democratic party seems to have totally forgotten the promises made to the people during the midterms and have become “quasi Repukes” in the meantime.
If enough people became Registered Independent Voters, the people could easily take back their power and make the candidates dance to “our tune” instead of the pissing contest of our current two party system of gridlock.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:37 pmI think it may be time for a “viable” third party, and I don’t mean to cast aspesions on the Independents, they have just been ineffective at gainign any real power.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:41 pmI have recently become involved with the Center for Progressive Leadership and am doing the Fellowship training they offer and it has certainly been enlightening.
We need real Progressives to move this country forward.
Keith: “I even sent a note to Harry Reid and told him to not cave in and make them read the phone book if necessary.”
I totally agree with that. Don’t let them off the hook. If they want to filibuster, make them filibuster!
October 4th, 2007 at 1:42 pmKeith: “I think it may be time for a “viable†third party, and I don’t mean to cast aspesions on the Independents, they have just been ineffective at gainign any real power.”
Liberals tried that in 2000 with a popular candidate. What we got is Bush.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:44 pmWho are the 31%?
They are the:
October 4th, 2007 at 1:45 pm1. Hard-core Jesus-lovers, people-haters.
2. We are rich but want more more more money. F*ck everything and everyone else group.
3. Those who still do not realize that money people die in freak backyard bar-b-q accidents than died at 9/11.
That was supposed to be “more” not “money.” Head still on #2.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:47 pmWe also need to start pushing on the media to call the obstruction what it is, a filibuster (notice I spelled it right his time)
October 4th, 2007 at 1:47 pmIf the “left-wing” (my butt) media would be about reporting news that is fact rather than the entertainment value stuff we see, it might go a long way in swaying public opinion enough to get Congress’ attention.
Krazny in #1: To answer your question, 8. ;)
October 4th, 2007 at 1:49 pmWas this poll taken before or after the SCHIP veto? If it was taken before, go check it now. I’m guessing that might have trimmed a couple more points.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:51 pmGive it a week or so and the psot-SCHIP-veto poll will appear on the pollingreport.com, I’ll bet the number goes down below his lowest value of 26.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:56 pmWho are the 31%?
They are the:
1. Hard-core Jesus-lovers, people-haters.
2. We are rich but want more more more money. F*ck everything and everyone else group.
3. Those who still do not realize that money people die in freak backyard bar-b-q accidents than died at 9/11.
Comment by rf7777 — October 4, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
4. Those who voted for Bush and would rather die than admit “their guy” is anything but perfect. Purely a matter of stubbornness. Also place the “GOP, right or wrong!” cheerleaders in this group.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:57 pmI think I found Cheney’s approval ratings…anyone have a roto rooter?
-Comment by Zimzone — October 4, 2007 @ 12:19 pm
Cheney’s approval ratings are “Top Secret†I suggest putting them back where you found them. -Comment by dim wit
Does anyone have a pair of rubber gloves I could borrow?
October 4th, 2007 at 1:58 pm(You may not want them back!)
#52 Trent Lott was the only that pushed a Bill to allow Rupert Murdock to buy more media. Previously only so many radio/tv/newspapers were allowed to one entity. It was a late night vote that Lott pushed through. Shortly after Lott had a book published by you guess it, R. Murdock.
See how it works, one hand wipes anothers butt.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:58 pmSee how it works, one hand wipes another’s butt.
-Comment by texaslady
Maybe you have a pair of rubber gloves? I have to put Cheney’s rating back in the toilet…
October 4th, 2007 at 2:00 pm71, Tampax,
Complete bullshit & you know it. Get back in the toilet with Cheney.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:08 pm…and to KrazNY, why would you call someone who points out Congress’ number from the same poll an idiot? Name calling is the last resort of a small mind. They would be reporting on no less of a factual basis then the post in the headline. Or do you feel an attempt at intimidation would deter a contractictor opinion?
Comment by Rastamon — October 4, 2007 @ 12:43 pm
You’re new here, aren’t you? When you’ve been here awhile, you’ll notice that the righties are always comparing Bush’s low poll numbers to the low poll numbers of Congress. This is a particularly idiotic point to make, since comparing the performance of an individual to the performance of an entity consisting roughly half of people any given person doesn’t like is like comparing apples to oranges.
It’s like a little dance we do here. One poster mentions a low approval number for Bush. Second poster points out that the approval number for Congress (generally referred to as the “Democrat controlled Congress”) is lower. First poster points out (with links) that the Democrats in Congress have higher approval numbers than the Republicans — and furthermore, if you polled each congressperson’s constituents about him/her individually, you would have much higher approval numbers. We don’t hear anything further from the second poster on the subject.
Even though we debunk the “…but…but…but…Congress!” argument every time, it doesn’t stop the Bush apologists from using this debate point. And doing this dance over and over gets tiresome. I suspect that’s the reason why the term “idiot” was used — the talking point is idiotic.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:15 pmWhile I am not agreeing with the “spirit” of the comment at 71, it is true that the top 50% may pay more taxes than the rest.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:18 pmSince the 200 census showed that 31% of the population made under $35k. Also it showed that the average workers pay increased by 37% between 1990 and 2000 but the average executive salary for the same time increased by 571% so it is feasible they are paying more taxes per capita.
Tampax,
I wasn’t talking about the numbers; it’s the bullshit you used to paint Progressives as unemployed.
You must make your ‘lil Bush proud.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:23 pmThe data I quoted was from an excerpted citation of the census, but from the data I have personally reviewed is broken out by “job families” or types to determine average versus executive rankings.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:29 pmOh, sorry but it looks like we’ll be in Iraq for at least 6 more years!
Yours truly
The HILLARY MATTERS FOR AMERICA org.
Comment by John Kerry — October 4, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
We? A coward like you will never be there,and if the US is stuck in that sandtrap for nother 6 years, it will be because you republicans won’t fight for your beliefs, which means that you hae no beliefs, you’re just a bunch of robots.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:30 pmSo….if all conservatives are gainfully and busily employed — and thus unavailable to take calls from pollsters….um, perhaps I can be excused for wondering what the hell YOU are doing posting here, Tampachessdon…?
Just asking.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:30 pm“Polls are typically skewed to the left because hard-working conservatives are not home by 5:30 when the pollsters call, or at mid-day when the pollsters only get the unemployed left on the phone.”
Comment by Tampachessdon — October 4, 2007 @ 2:00 pm
This is one of the funniest explanations for discrediting polls I’ve ever seen. You maintain that conservatives work, while lefties don’t? Even IF this absurd premise was true, pollsters would take that into account for their sampling. Still, admittedly no poll is perfect, which is why a margin of error is given. This margin of error generally ranges 3 to 5 points. It would have to range a great deal more than that to change the story that MOST OF AMERICA DOES NOT LIKE THE WAY BUSH IS RUNNING THE COUNTRY.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:31 pmAs if Tax-Cut and Spend More Conservatives somehow makes more sense?
October 4th, 2007 at 2:31 pmI, for one, am only here posting because I am on a Booooring conference call.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:33 pm#78 – There has never been as much government spending as there is now. So where is the fiscal responsibility and conservatism. Strange how Bush cut any and all departments for services and yet we are in debt up to our eyeballs and granchildren.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:34 pmWhy are Liberals so afraid to call themselves Liberals, now hiding behind the word “Progressive†as if tax and spend big-government, Socialism is progress?
Comment by Tampachessdon — October 4, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
Why are conservatives so afraid to call themselves traitors, which is what they are? They have no understanding of American law and jurisprudence, no compassion for the unlucky, no sense of right and wrong, and no loyalty to the Constitution. Why hide behind the label conservative, as if steal and spend big government and Fascism are conservative values?
October 4th, 2007 at 2:35 pmWhy are Liberals so afraid to call themselves Liberals, now hiding behind the word “Progressive†as if tax and spend big-government, Socialism is progress? -Comment by Tampachessdon
You smell a lot like Flaco…any relation?
October 4th, 2007 at 2:38 pmDepending on how you define such terms, you can make the figures say almost anything you want -Tampax
Bingo! You just answered your own trolling. Next?
October 4th, 2007 at 2:39 pmthe rich don’t pay nearly enough of the tax burden, nor do corporations. this country grew strongest and became world leader when the rich were being taxed heavily, as they should be. Now we are weaker and less respected worldwide, because the rich have taken greed to a new historical level. “The love of money is the root of all evil”. cheney proves that.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:41 pmOh, I see.
Thanks ever so for clearing that up, TCDon.
*eyeroll*
October 4th, 2007 at 2:42 pmJust taking a late lunch Annie. Even we hard-working, tax paying conservatives need an occasional break to take a look at what the Socialists are doing.
Comment by Tampachessdon — October 4, 2007 @ 2:40 pm
the usual excuse for the goldbricking, lazy-ass regressives ripping off their companies.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:42 pmRet. Col. Jack Ripper
“He could be complaining about arcane proceedural obstruction, filibusters and vetos, ”
Common knowledge and used extensively on both sides of the aisle. When the Democrats invoked Rule 21, they too were exercising their right to use arcane procedural (sp.) obstruction. This is no excuse for their inability to act save for they too fear alienating true moderates, centrists and independents.
“…but that would require a little more critical thinking” Name-calling and insults never persuaded anyone particularly if that person is as entrenched in their beliefs as you appear to be.
Because I insist on action from my elected officials without blindly following anyone else’s myopic visions is my duty. Unfortunately they have not done so. Everything about the war may be wrong but we are there and people are getting killed. With pithy repartee such as 71 Zimzone, only fueling divisiveness how can we hope to get anything accomplished?
October 4th, 2007 at 2:44 pmWell, it seems to be getting ugly… so, I will move on before before more name calling ensues….
Good Luck
October 4th, 2007 at 2:47 pmBush and the Congress seem to not give a damn about any of us. A do nothing state of affairs we are in. -Comment by Johnny Swank
You’re not going to get much of an argument on that one here, JS
October 4th, 2007 at 2:47 pmYou are why I come here. I eat my burger and share my fries, and you are the toy that amuses me. Thank you.
Bush and the Congress seem to not give a damn about any of us. A do nothing stae of affairs we are in.
Comment by Johnny Swank — October 4, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
Your ignorance of the makeup of the visitors here is astounding, as is your faux superiority complex. You stuff your fat face with your burget and fries, and die an early death as a tool of the rightwing power sructure that actively hates you and your fellow morons, while we fight to regain what America was throughout its history: a liberal, socialist democracy with a capitalist monetary system. it was a good combination, until the willfully lazy among you let it sink.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:48 pmIn other words, genious, Fascism was a form of Socialism — just the opposite of conservatism.
Comment by Tampachessdon — October 4, 2007 @ 2:46 pm
well, it figures that you would happily display your ignorance of political manipulation through messaging, happy Good German that you are. Fascist is not a term usually applied to the NAZI party, by the way, except in your imaginary world. Fascist is a term applied to corporate-run states, as you weaklings and chickenhawks have allowed the US to become.
Thanks for proving my point, though, you were very helpful. Always the dependable, bootlicking tool, you rightards.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:52 pmBy that standard, Bush’s 31% approval is excellent by comparasion to the democratically controlled congresses 22%. Don’t want the comparasion – stop perpetuating the value of the poll that you refuse to judge yourself by.
Comment by CaptainMantastic — October 4, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
Only if your standards are lying and manipulation, which is certainly the hallmark of the treasonous, lazy, antiAmerican right. Democrats have been denied the leadership rolls by obstructionist fascist republican tools, and by turncoats like the Senator from israel, LIEberman. You do have a nice collection of rightard lies and talking points, though, it’s no wonder you didn’t want them to go to waste. Take them to redstate, where the single-digit IQs will make you feel right at home.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:55 pmWhy are Liberals so afraid to call themselves Liberals, now hiding behind the word “Progressive†as if tax and spend big-government, Socialism is progress?
Comment by Tampachessdon — October 4, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
I realize you are not asking this in any spirit of open-mindedness. Your post reeks of snarky sarcasm. But I’ll ignore that and answer your questions as if you asked them seriously.
First, liberals do not hide behind the word “progressive”. Many liberals are progressives and vice versa. However, they are not exact synonyms. I’ll even save you from having to look it up:
lib·er·al (lÄb’É™r-É™l, lÄb’rÉ™l) adj.
a. Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.
b. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.
pro·gres·sive (prəˈgrɛsɪv) adj.
a. favoring or advocating progress, change, improvement, or reform, as opposed to wishing to maintain things as they are, esp. in political matters: “a progressive mayor”.
b. making progress toward better conditions; employing or advocating more enlightened or liberal ideas, new or experimental methods, etc.: “a progressive community”.
As you can see, there is some overlap, but the two are not the same.
Now to your point about liberals and progressives being “tax and spend” big-government socialists:
The right-wing has been trying to hang the “tax and spend” label on us for decades. Yes, we believe in “tax and spend”. And so do you, unless you advocate the elimination of all taxes. We recognize that it costs money to run a country (or a state, or a municipality) and that requires some revenue.
However, the conservatives have added another concept — that of “borrow and spend”. This policy has dug us into debt measuring trillions of dollars. Perhaps you would be kind enough to explain why borrowing money to pay our way (and paying interest on the debt — $408 billion just for 2006) is a better way of financing the government?
The right-wing also likes to try to label us as Socialists (or Marxists), but that doesn’t really fly either. Just because we advocate ensuring all Americans have access to a few things we consider to be basic rights (education, health care) does not mean we advocate government-controlled distribution of all goods. And just because we find that profit-taking greedheads have priced health insurance out of reach of the middle class (unless employers provide it for them), doesn’t mean we advocate an elimination of marketplace competition in general.
I hope that helps to answer your question.
October 4th, 2007 at 3:01 pmIt must be just a fact of life that 30% of the electorate haven’t got a clue.
October 4th, 2007 at 3:02 pmAnd I bet the prison population may be more intelligent than that 30% for they poll at 2%.
Note the definition. The word is an Italian derivative and primarily referred to the Mussolini regime rather than the German Nazi Party, but has come to be applied to others over time.
Fascist
Function: noun
Etymology: Italian fascismo, from fascio bundle, fasces, group, from Latin fascis bundle & fasces fasces
Date: 1921
1often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition
2: a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control
Also, refer to http://www.the-emperor-has-no-clothes.com/Documents/Fascism.html
October 4th, 2007 at 3:03 pmfor the characteristics of a fascist state
Comment by Johnny Swank — October 4, 2007 @ 2:59 pm
Ah, Johnny — I was wondering when you’d show up. Go back to the Tom Tancredo thread. I answered your accusation about Muslims not condemning terrorism. I apologize that it took me awhile to get back to my computer, but I had some errands to run and you were gone by the time I posted it.
October 4th, 2007 at 3:03 pmWho are the 30%ers? They are the Born Again Xians, the ones who believe the earth was created 6k years ago and the Bearded Wonder is going to come down again to scoop them all up to live happily ever after.
They don’t need no stinkin’ facts or logic or reality. They ignore the facts that don’t support their myth and will support their Brother George regardless of the evil he perpetrates.
Thank God and Baby Jesus and Poseidon that they are only 30% of the population. We need more lions.
October 4th, 2007 at 3:28 pmOh, god, Captain Mantasic is back.
October 4th, 2007 at 4:14 pmPlease, do tell, what obstructionist tactics did poor little Georgie boy suffer, at the hands of the evil Democrats, over the last 7 years?
Details please. Otherwise you’re just pleasuring yourself.
You call the republicans in the congress obstructionist. Okay, what do you call the last 7 years of obstruction of the Bush administration by liberals? Comment by CaptainMantastic — October 4, 2007 @ 3:31 pm
Republicans got everything they wanted, except Harriet Miers and the constitutional persecution of gay people. Care to list what specifically you are upset about – obstruction wise?
October 4th, 2007 at 4:37 pmGeez–like a mental midget like Bush can be trusted with all that complex math. He’s done such a screaming job with everything else, why not let him knock the whole damned house down.
October 4th, 2007 at 5:05 pmYou want to allow a retarded person to dismantle the only good thing this country has ever done?
Well Rory said good by so Capt Mantastic had to fly in on his cape.
October 4th, 2007 at 5:39 pmTampashwhatever: “(The top 50% of wage earners pay 96.03% of income taxes; the top 10% pay 64.89%; the top 1% pay 33.89%).”
Ah, yes, the conservatives’ favorite phony argument. Here’s a thought. Take a look at your own paycheck stub (if you draw one.) Is income tax the only tax you pay? There are also the things we call “payroll taxes,” you know, Social Security, etc.
Add the amount working people pay into Social Security and you get completely different numbers. In fact, a huge percentage of working people pay more social security taxes than they do income taxes. And please don’t try to argue that these are not taxes. Ever since the Reagan people doubled the Social Security tax and began using this revenue to pay for government, this has been like any other tax except that only working class people pay it.
October 4th, 2007 at 5:42 pmRastamon, I never even implied that both sides don’t try to use procedural rules to obstruct. I will point out, however, that your position seems to be that there is no difference between Dems attempting to stop the Repubs from appointing mendacious right-wing ideologues to lifetime positions on the Supreme Court and repubs attempting to stop Democrats from doing what is clearly the will of the majority in getting out of Iraq.
On the one hand, Repubs obstruct the will of the majority and on the other, Dems obstruct the will of a small, powerful minority.
October 4th, 2007 at 5:46 pmMantastic: “By that standard, Bush’s 31% approval is excellent by comparasion to the democratically controlled congresses 22%.”
Again, this comparison is apples and oranges. How about comparing this president’s ratings to the last one. That would make much more sense so I assume you’ll avoid it at all costs.
October 4th, 2007 at 5:48 pmJack el al
I am new here but what I have seen here is too much name calling , finger pointing, half truths etc. I guess I had hoped for more…perhaps my expectations were too high. I have a few miles on me so I have seen this “dance” before and time and time again.
The “they do this” and “the others do that” discussion becomes a drone below which real issues lie. That’s where all these arguments become moot. That’s why I insist on my congress people hear my voice. Until such time as both sides start looking forward this can only spiral into a society devoid of dignity or respect and end in a totally failed country.
I don’t believe anyone wants that and since I am closer to the end then the start I have less of a stake in it. I have done well and can take care of myself and my family so in that regard I am fortunate. But have we lowered the bar so far, across the board, that there is no hope for generations to come? The only answer is complete transparency and accountability for all elected officials.
October 4th, 2007 at 8:02 pm>“Fascist†is a term usually applied to the German NAZI party.
Several hundred years ago “flat” used to be a term usually applied to the earth. Does that make the earth flat?
>NAZI was short hand for the “National Socialistâ€
Its something they labeled themselves. So what? Is every country that calls itself a Democratic Republic always a democratic republic?
October 5th, 2007 at 4:11 am>and the mainstream/liberal media.
uh huh. how much airplay the “liberal media” give the “cheney said invading iraq would be a quagmire in 94′ ” story?
how many times did our liberal media point out that memeber of the bush regimed LIED by saying “we know where the weapons are” ..”we know without a doubt that saddam has WMD”
> all this b.s. like “the rich don’t pay taxes†doesn’t fly.
they should pay the same percentage as poor people im sure.
because people like bill gates don’t get any more benefits from the pre-existing highways, telephone lines, internet, and other societal structures than the average factory worker does.
by the way, bin laden agrees with you that taxes in this country are “insanely high”, and he further advocates taxes in this country should be replaced by a 2.5 percent flat tax. do you agree?
October 5th, 2007 at 4:16 am#126 – Where do you come up with your ideas ? Warren Buffington, Bill Clinton, Bill Maher, John Kerry have ALL stated they DO NOT pay the same in taxes as people from $35,000 to $400,000 a year. This group is carrying the most in tax.
Check how much Dick Cheney and Bush paid last year, it is public information you would have your eyes opened wide.
The difference between a progressive and a conservative, progressives use facts to think with conservatives just run their mouth.
October 5th, 2007 at 11:40 am