The pundits have it wrong, again, again, again

Pundits and talking heads have scored the debt ceiling bill as a win for Republicans -- because they got more of what they wanted than the Democrats, who give in too easily.

Now we're beginning to get the answer from the people. A poll by the NewYorkTimes/CBS News found that 82% disapprove of the way Congress is doing its job, a record high since this question was first asked in 1977 -- even higher than when Newt Gingrich shut down the government in 1995.

More than 4 out of 5 said that the recent debate over the debt ceiling was more about trying to gain political advantage than doing what the country needed. A clear majority of 62% say the main focus should be on creating jobs, while only 29% say it should be on cutting spending.

In the public's mind, Republicans are blamed more than Democrats or President Obama.

72% disapproved of the Republicans' performance
66% disapproved of the Democrats' performance
47% disapproved of Obama's performance, while 46% approved.

Do we need greater proof that our politicians are not listening to the people and that Washington is ruled by lobbyists and special interests and MONEY MONEY MONEY?

I think this poll also indicates that it's not just the wrong priorities in the bill itself but the insane way Congress took us to the brink of disaster before getting there. When 80+% say it was more about political points than about what is good for the country, then I predict that incumbancy is going to be less of an advantage in 2012 than usual. We'll likely see a lot of "throw the bums out" mentality.

Ralph