Debt Ceiling Debate Tarnishes Washington’s Image

Republicans in Congress fared worst of all in terms of being seen less favorably as the weeks of negotiations on raising the debt ceiling dragged on, but others were close behind. Forty-two percent said their opinions of GOP lawmakers had become more unfavorable. President Obama and Tea Party congressmen tied for second, with 37 percent seeing each less favorably. About a third (34%) saw House Speaker John Boehner less favorably and 30% saw congressional Democrats less favorably. When asked for a single word to describe their impressions of the budget negotiations, the public most frequently offered “ridiculous,” disgusting,” “stupid” and “frustrating.” Read More