A poll by The Economist and You Gov conducted Apr. 10-13, 2021 showed 52% of Americans disapprove of the job Congress is doing today. Disapproval was highest among Republicans (70% - 22% somewhat and 48% strongly) and Independent voters (60% - 20% somewhat and 40% strongly).
Given today’s tribal political moment for the country, it’s to be expected that Republicans would disapprove of Congress but both Biden 2020 voters and Democrats are also more likely to disapprove than approve of the job Congress is doing today.
What’s driving the decline in ratings? Controversy over the Georgia election integrity bill, the crisis at the southern border, and the introduction of a multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure bill all play a role. This poll was conducted as another progressive priority hits the floor of Congress and ramps up its presence in the media – the Green New Deal.
Even with a strong progressive agenda moving in D.C., Congressional job approval among Democrats is only 39%. Democrats, especially those in Trump districts and in swing districts, should be concerned as redistricting looms.
The Biden Administration is looking at the strong possibility of holding both houses of Congress for just two years. While progressive priorities have dominated the Administration’s agenda and hence national politics up to this point, a shift to more moderate and incremental policy goals may be the only viable path forward if Democrats hope to protect their own most vulnerable members in the Senate and especially the House.
