Obviously, no one could have predicted that the Republicans’ heroic battle against the stimulus package would hurt them politically. But here’s Charlie Cook:
As polling very clearly shows, congressional Republicans have done nothing to help themselves by almost unanimously opposing the massive stimulus package. Indeed, they look increasingly isolated: a narrow party that is looking inward for sustenance.
And not many voters want the GOP to be back in the saddle again:
Head-to-head, though, Americans are putting far more faith in Obama than in congressional Republicans: 61 percent said they trust Obama more than the GOP when it comes to economic matters, just 26 percent side with the Republicans in Congress. Obama’s advantage on that question is bigger than George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, or George H.W. Bush ever had over the opposition party in the legislature on dealing with the economy.
Overall, Democrats maintain a nearly 2 to 1 edge over Republicans as the party Americans prefer to confront “the big issues” over the next few years.
I’m sure the pundits will continue to cite some Rasmussen results that show what a genius Eric Cantor is, though.
I hate to keep beating this one, but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the gap between Villager opinion and public opinion this wide. Not since the Clinton impeachment anyway.
Rumors of Republican stimulus victory were greatly exaggeratedPost + Comments (105)