America to Congress: “meh”

A series of polls out over the last month (actually, ongoing polls) shows that America's message to Washington is simple and consistent: "you stink." But unlike the last election cycle, there's an additional comment, "and we love you for it."

For example: According to CBS in late June, the job approval rating for Congress was just 27 percent -- a number that is pretty closely reflected in other polls and continuing a trend that no matter how poorly rated the president is, Congress' rating is almost always worse.

How is that different from when the Republicans were in charge? In November 2005, Congress' job approval rating was only 34 percent, lower than -- at that time -- President Bush's critique.

So why isn't anyone predicting a Republican "wave" when America next gets a crack at the Congress it doesn't like? And why aren't sitting Democrats -- especially those who promised, you know, change -- worried?

To recap: Republican dominated Congress: bad. Democrat dominated Congress: bad, according to the polls.

Sounds like the time is right for a third party, right? Wrong. If you look at the poll numbers, it's always -- technically -- been time for a third party. And, in fact, the CBS poll showed people claiming they wanted a third party. They want to vote for a third party candidate, usually right up until the time they get to. In Minnesota, a third party candidate has never even come close to carrying a county, let alone the state.

In Minnesota, changing your name to Anderson to get an election "bump" is standard practice. Maybe this is the year someone will change their name to None OfTheAbove.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

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