by Jill Zuckman
Six months in, the Democratic-controlled Congress doesn't have much to write home about -- a promised increase in the minimum wage, yes, but no control over the war in Iraq.
And inaction in Washington is translating into dissatisfaction in the polls, with the newest Gallup Poll gauging declining public confidence in Congress.
"There has been no meaningful action on Iraq. And that's what people want," said Frank Newport, editor in chief of the non-partisan Gallup Poll.
Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) explains the dillema Democrats face. Republicans are blocking Democrats at every turn, he says, and without bigger majorities in Congress, and perhaps the presidency as well, there is little his party can do.
Yet, Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill) allows: "I don't know if it would be different if we were in the majority... I think the American public is mad at all of us, Republicans and Democrats."
For more, see the story in today's Tribune:
Democrats feel the heat
as promises go unfulfilled
By Jill Zuckman
Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- In the heat of their successful campaign last year to retake the House and Senate, Democrats made voters promise after promise.
They promised to end the war in Iraq. They promised to expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. They promised to lower prescription drug prices for seniors and raise the minimum wage.
But six months after taking over Congress, Democrats have accomplished little of their agenda. Perhaps not coincidentally, Congress' job approval rating has reached a dramatic low, tumbling 13 points since February to 24 percent, according to the Gallup Poll.
Republicans, damaged by a faltering war in Iraq, corruption scandals and a politically weakened President Bush, happily cite such figures to argue that the Democrats are incapable of governing. "The American people are smart enough to know when they've been had," said Ken Spain, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, which seeks to elect Republicans to the House.
Democrats are scrambling to explain to voters, and themselves, why they have accomplished just one of their heralded objectives -- raising the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour. The high-profile failure to reach agreement on immigration reform has added to the public's discontent, and on Thursday the Senate was struggling to rescue a much-touted energy bill.
If they can't reverse the trend, some Democrats worry, their majority could be short-lived. This week, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) reviewed the grim polling data for his Democratic colleagues during a senators-only lunch. Similarly, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) shared his view of the polls in a closed-door meeting with Democratic House members.
Guess who's to blame
Durbin's explanation for his party's plight is that Republicans are blocking Democrats at every turn. And without bigger majorities in Congress -- and perhaps the presidency as well -- there is little they can do.
Democrats, after all, count on a slim 51-49 advantage in the Senate and a 15-vote majority in the House. Just this week, Bush highlighted Democratic frustrations by vetoing a stem cell research bill that passed both houses by comfortable -- though not veto-proof -- majorities.
As the presidential race heats up, it will only get harder for Democrats to push through additional measures.
Many voters in particular hoped a new Congress would make substantial changes in the Iraq war and begin bringing American troops home. Congress' inability to do that so far may be the biggest factor in the public's disenchantment.
Each month, Gallup asks voters what should be the highest priority for the president and Congress. More than 70 percent cite the war.
"There has been no meaningful action on Iraq. And that's what people want," said Frank Newport, editor in chief of the non-partisan Gallup Poll.
Despite months of tough talk, Democrats have achieved little on the war other than giving the president billions more to fund it. Durbin called the polling data troubling and said Democrats need to show voters they are trying hard to effect change.
"We have to let them know we have done everything in our power to bring the troops home and have run into a roadblock with the Republicans in Congress and the Bush White House," Durbin said.
In addition to his stem cell veto, Bush has rejected a bill to tie war funding to a withdrawal of troops. Again, Democrats did not have the votes to override.
Republicans also blocked Democratic efforts in the Senate to require that Medicare negotiate with drug companies to provide lower-cost prescriptions for senior citizens.
To Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the polls are proof that the Democrats have failed.
"The Democrats were given an opportunity to see what they could do, and they aren't making good use of that opportunity," Ensign said. "They railed on us for not working across party lines, but they're trying to ramrod things down the minority's throat."
Democrats say they must convince voters that what they need is more Democrats. The Senate, for example, requires 60 votes to get anything of importance accomplished. The Democrats are short by nine votes.
"In the next election, people will judge whether they want a return to the Bush agenda or more troops to help us fight our battles," Durbin said.
Emanuel insisted the Democrats are better positioned than Republicans for 2008 because they are on the right side of many issues and the public will see they are working to make progress. In addition to efforts to end the Iraq war, Emanuel cited the minimum-wage hike and House passage of increases in veterans' health funds and college education assistance.
Emanuel also pointed to a recent poll showing that 72 percent of people think the country is headed in the wrong direction and that the president's approval rating is only marginally better than that of Congress. Voters are broadly unhappy with the country's course, Emanuel said, not mad at congressional Democrats in particular.
Republicans mocked such explanations, saying they echoed their own rationalizations before last November's rout.
'Mad at all of us'
"Wow, does that sound like the Republican leadership last year or what?" marveled David Winston, a Republican pollster. "When you have a general mood that Congress isn't doing well, whoever is in the leadership position pays a price for it."
But Geoff Garin, a Democratic pollster, said it is more important to measure where Democrats stand versus Republicans than to look at the Democrats' job approval in a vacuum or count the number of bills that get signed into law. "Voters are smart enough to know that Democrats can't do it by themselves," Garin said. "They like the Republicans even less."
Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.) said he believes that voters are just plain mad -- about high gasoline prices, the lack of border security and the Iraq war.
"I don't know if it would be different if we were in the majority," LaHood said. "We didn't deal with immigration reform, we've continued to go along with what the president wanted on the Iraq war, which is what the Democratic majority has had to do, and when we were in the majority we didn't bring down gasoline prices.
"I think the American public is mad at all of us," said LaHood, "Republicans and Democrats."
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Comments
It's completely obvious that the reason we're not making faster progress on bringing home the troops is that the Repugs are still voting lockstep with Mr. 26%. Yes, the Dems need to try harder, and certainly don't call a capitulation a 'victory'. But at least they're trying.
Finally, "...some Democrats worry their majority could be short-lived..." Exactly WHO Ms. Zuckman? I see nothing in the quotes here. Nice try putting words in people's mouths. This is crappy editorializing at its worst.
Posted by: weinerdog43 | June 22, 2007 7:33 AM
How quickly we forget. When did the democrats ever say they could stop this war with such a small lead in the congress? I believe they said they would take us in a better direction and they have. We stil have the hardline hawk republicans to deal with. Did or did they not send a bill to Bush with a timeline in it? Did Bush not "veto" that? They don't have the votes to over ride the veto. What needs to happen is to vote every last republican out of office before this great country can right its self and get back to what we really are. For years now, anyone who disagreed with the administration was labled unpatriotic yet it is the republicans acting least like Americans than anyone. They are holding this country hostage and their bumbling and self rightious ways have hurt us
worse than our enemies ever could. They have led us to the brink of disaster all the while rapping this blunder up in our flag playing the stars and stripes and marching us into hell.
Posted by: bill r. | June 22, 2007 7:40 AM
I like Ray LaHood. Of course he's got a lot of the same style as his old boss Bob Michael.
These are a couple of Republicans who understand the concept of disagreeeing without being disagreeable.
However, LaHood is still a partisan politician who put the best face on the news of Congress's abysmal approval ratings poll #s.
The number 1 thing (there is no close second)Americans are mad as hell about is how Dubya is handling the situation in Iraq. Since Americans can't undo the '04 election the next best thing they could do was to vote in Democrats in the '06 election to try to change Bush's policies in Iraq. And the Democrats in Congress haven't done it.
Grow a spine Democrats in Congress. Pressure this moron we have for a president to end our military involvement in this fiasco called Iraq.
Posted by: Doug Zook | June 22, 2007 8:02 AM
"Voters are broadly unhappy with the country's course, Emanuel said, not mad at congressional Democrats in particular."
...if he only knew the truth!
Posted by: Robert Ference | June 22, 2007 8:28 AM
That's correct, Mr. LaHood, the American people are angry and very dissatified with you and Congress in general. You have been nothing but a follower...a rubber stamp for the worst President in U.S, history. In my opinion, you and many other (in both parties) do not deserve to serve the public. You have failed!!
Posted by: Doug R. | June 22, 2007 9:22 AM
Democrats are failing because they promised "new politics", but still have nothing but Bush-Hate.
Just read Dick Durbin's words. Nothing about himself, all about hate-bush.
Posted by: Darryn | June 22, 2007 9:26 AM
That's it Doug Zook just tell Dems to get meaner. The Dems have beat up President Bush by the 36 day election night because Al Gore was a sore loser. They have said he was selected not elected and he came back and tromped John F Kery who served In Vietnam in the popular vote. They won in 06 because they used Duke Cunningham, the Foley scandal, Jack Abramhoff, they had Ronnie Earl set up Tom Delay with prosecutorial misconduct that case is far from over. After they won in 06 instead of legislating Dick Durbin, Harry Reid, Chuck Schumer, Harry Waxman and John Conyers have created mini scandal after mini scandal all to no avail. Nancy Pelosi added fuel to the fire by getting a giant Jet to ferry her everywhere even making Secretary of State schadow government attempts in Syria. John Murtha has shot himself in the feet with his rants.Durbin compared our hard working troops to Sovietas in their gulags and Pol Pot. Then, Pelosi calls for the biggest taxincrease in history to fund her $2.9 trillion dollar social spending binge. Then, David Obey said we can too earmark and the GOP said not so fast pointing out that right after being elected Madame Speaker, Pelosi had promised no hidden earmarks so he walked away humbled. Then, after they talked about GOP corruption they started having some of their own with William ($90,000 in freezer}Jefferson and Alcee Hastings an impeached judge running a major committee. I predict 08 will be a big year for the GOP because they American people are tired of the bloodletting and want and open and honest government. The Immigration bill will die and the GOP will be saved embarrassment from not protecting our borders in a 911 world dominated by radical jihadists. The issue will be security Democrats giving AlQuaeda civil liberties are not seen as being capable of running the military. By the way, the economy is in good shape and the Dems have only passed the minimum wage bill all else will be vetoed or defeated from Pelosi's magical 100 hours. Jerry White, Springfield, IL P.S. Reid's poll numbers are half of Bushes at 19 percent.
Posted by: Jerry White | June 22, 2007 9:41 AM
And now the excuses start. All the time before the election the DEm's filled the airwaves with how they will save the country ads. As usual, the Stepford voters blindly walked into the booths and voted straight down party lines. Now we start to realize, it is not the PARTY that dictates success/failure, it is the PEOPLE. Right now nearly every politician in power cares very lttile for the people they supposedly serve, if at all. They care about their cash and prestige, PERIOD. So, all you Dem's who think your PARTY will save the world, remember, your Dem's are as uselss as the Rep's, period. So, sit back, relax and watch the pathetic excuses and finger poinnting that will become more and more SOP for our psuedo-leaders.
Posted by: Rob S | June 22, 2007 10:02 AM
"Six months in, the Democratic-controlled Congress doesn't have much to write home about..."
Ah, contraire.
It's easy to look at what hasn't been accomplished by looking at what hasn't been accomplished (that's a little Bush speak for you).
The fact is, without a Democratically-controlled Congress to mind the gate, we might either be in Iran by now or selling the country down the river in other ways. (By the way, except for finding a way into Iraq, what did 6 years of COMPLETE Republican-control get us? Answer: "Absolutely nothing." Say it again.)
I don't care if a Democrat or a Republican is in the White House. The best government is mixed-government, so that abuses in government are minimized, if not minimal. Count your blessings, America. It could be worse. A lot worse.
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | June 22, 2007 10:09 AM
The Democrats are now hopping mad that the Republicans are using the same tactics against them that they used against the Republicans, namely obstruction. Many of us said that the Democrats should be careful how they operate because someday they will be back in power and the Republicans will use the same tactics against them. Well, someday is here. If the Democrats truly want to stay in power, they have to do what they complained about when they were in the minority, that is truly try to work with the minority, rather than exclude them at every turn. If they worked with them in good faith on matters like real immigration reform, they might find more willingness to cooperate on the war in Iraq. After all, many Republicans share the feeling that we made too many mistakes on that front. I don't believe it will happen though and if some new Republicans run for office that really have learned from past mistakes, the Democrats will soon find themselves back in the minority, and it will be well deseved.
Posted by: Dale | June 22, 2007 10:45 AM
I couldn't help but notice that supporters of Ray LaHood wear LaHood Army shirts. Not only does this reflect the disturbing state of today's politics but it also reminds us that this chickenhawk never served although he graduated college in 1971. This LaHood Army fantasy is the closest he came to ever serving.
Posted by: john | June 22, 2007 11:10 AM
this is what the 110th congress has accomplished so far:
S.1 - ethics and lobbying reform bill.
S. 761 - increases the nation’s investment in basic and innovative research; strengthens educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from elementary through graduate school
S. 214 - Preserving United States Attorney Independence
H.R. 2 - increasing the minimum wage which helps millions directly.
energy assistance programs for people with low incomes.
H.R. 1591 - increase funding for the National Guard to help states who are in need of funds. See New Orleans and Kansas as perfect examples of what Iraq has done in keeping our own country safe. Bush vetoed the bill.
Increased funding to protect U.S. borders and transit sytems against terrorism.
Increased funding for our troops fighting in Iraq. Against Bush's wishes.
Increased funding to protect our troops in Iraq.
Increased funding for our wounded troops by $3.3 billion (Bush only would give 1/3 that figure). Plus democrats allocated another $900 million for those soldiers with head trauma and other psychological programs.
called for gradual redeployment from Iraq. Bush vetoed the bill.
increased funding for alternative energy sources and research.
advanced stem cell funding. veto by Bush.
real funding to rebuild the Gulf Coast.
In just the first 100 days in office, the Dems did more then the GOP had done in the previous 4 years.
Posted by: alex | June 22, 2007 11:11 AM
All this proves is it is time for our country to go to the NO PARTY SYSTEM and vote for the person best quailfied for the job.
Posted by: Bud | June 22, 2007 11:27 AM
Mr. Bush has publicly stated to the entire country that he would veto any bill with a time frame for bringing our troops home. He just vetoed a bill to increase stem cell research and Bill Zuckman blames the democrats. How much is Carl Rove paying this hack to keep him on a puppet string.
I thougth that Chicago Tribune was a great newspaper. This front page article has shown all of it's readers that it is a political weapon used by the Republican party to influence public opinion. What a shame. The next thing you know we will find out that it is inflating circulation numbers just like the Sun Times.
Your editor should be asked why he put this crap on the front page. This may be the time to look at subcrbing to a real newspaper not a politically motivated rag controlled by a political party.
Patrick Cummings -
Posted by: Patrick Cummings | June 22, 2007 11:28 AM
Daryn, Bush-hate is all the Loony Left has. They have no other reason for living. They are a worthles, pathetic bunch.
Posted by: John D | June 22, 2007 11:29 AM
Well, if all the Democrats have is "Bush-Hate," then it seems as if they are leading correctly. Bush's abysmal approval rating of 26% proves this.
Re: Zuckman's editorial. Since when does a Congressional approval rating only apply to the majority party? If the Republicans (Congress and Dubya) would stop blocking legislation to end the war, permit stem cell research, and- I assume- a somewhat progressive energy bill, the country would be a lot happier. Once again God and oil take precedent over the American people.
GOP - God. Oil. Police. Not necessarily in that order.
Posted by: Matt | June 22, 2007 11:34 AM
Mr. Jerry White- Your hero Bush 43's approval rating is 26%, the lowest of his presidency.
Smarmy treasonous Cheney's approval rating is less than 20%.
John, you are correct. Raymond LaHood is a draft dodger. He ran away from the Viet Cong. Didn't want to fight the commies over there in S.E. Asia. Another rubber stamp Republican with zero military experience.
Posted by: Doug R. | June 22, 2007 12:14 PM
Jerry White,
If you're as good at predicting election results for '08 as what you and rest of the wingnuts did in '06, we Democrats and America will be good to go.
P.S. You forgot your racist innuendo against Obama. Get with the program.
Posted by: Doug Zook | June 22, 2007 12:23 PM
CNN had an on line poll this week asking if voters would vote for and Independent. Not surprisingly better than 80% said "Yes". If that doesn't tell the idiot Democrats and the knucklehead Republicans something I don't know what will. On the other hand, we, the American public share the blame. We have let the Teddys and the Newts of the world tell us that only a two party system will work, and we the stupid public believe them! When is America going to wake up and realise that more than two parties will work? It's kind of like shopping for a new item. Why shop at only two stores when there are many to choose from? Perhaps in that way we, the American people will truely be represented and the Good Old Boys and Girls Club in Washington will go away and the lining of their pockets by lobbiest will go thread bare.
Posted by: Alan | June 22, 2007 12:42 PM
Jerry White,
You are the first person to call me a socialist. I guess that makes you a fascist. You don't have a clue about how this country is operating and seemingly don't give a damn about educating your self. I need to grow up? You blindly follow this incompetent administration. Right course? I feel sorry for you. Anyway, I am not following my own advice in responding to you, this will be the last.
Posted by: Tim | June 22, 2007 1:14 PM
John D,
I guess for the 1/3 of Republicans who hate Bush, that's their only reason for living. They are a worthless, pathetic bunch.
right? according to your reasoning, it could not be otherwise.
are you that void of thought that you really believe in writing such dribble? Is all you have, as a pathetic, worthless Republican is Clinton hate?
the truth is clear. Democrats have done a lot while in congress. Many of the bigger issues have been vetoed by the president.
heck, they've already worked more days this year then the GOP controlled congress worked all of 2006. That says a lot about Republicans...
Posted by: alex | June 22, 2007 1:53 PM
obviously the repugnicans are to blame for the gridlock... threatening to filibuster every single piece of decent legislation...
but the democrats are so weak it is hard to watch... they are like, well, we can't pursue that cause we don't have the 60 voters... 60 votes? how about you stand your ground and MAKE the republicans filibuster... they may be successful this time, and maybe next time too... THEY CANNOT filibuster everything...
instead of just shrugging our shoulders and saying we don't have 60 votes... all u need is 51... make the republicans actually get up there and fillibuster...
god willing they will die of heart attacks 1 by 1...
Posted by: seth | June 22, 2007 2:15 PM
obviously the repugnicans are to blame for the gridlock... threatening to filibuster every single piece of decent legislation...
but the democrats are so weak it is hard to watch... they are like, well, we can't pursue that cause we don't have the 60 voters... 60 votes? how about you stand your ground and MAKE the republicans filibuster... they may be successful this time, and maybe next time too... THEY CANNOT filibuster everything...
instead of just shrugging our shoulders and saying we don't have 60 votes... all u need is 51... make the republicans actually get up there and fillibuster...
god willing they will die of heart attacks 1 by 1...
*************
these polls that show serious majorities preferring independents shows how uninformed and shallow the americna population is...
the repugs have all the money, lie about everything... basically it is as if the democrats are in a knife fight in a phone booth with a murderous maniac... and ppl are mad they aren't getting enough done!! if u do not have hatred in your heart for bush cheney et al there IS something wrong with you...
they deserve nothing but scorn... and i feel if this country had a more informed populace, in general, bush and cheney would both have already been hung to death for treason like saddam was...
ppl may say i'm a nut --BS-- this administration's chief aim is to destroy democracy... if u are so naive or twisted that u can't see it-- that is on you...
i love this country for all of the great things it has done, and even more for all the things we can do... in terms of potential energy, we are off the charts...
what's this now? cheney's office won't comply with a presidential order?? there reason is that they are outside the executive branch??
WTF?!?!?! The vice presidency is outside the Exectutive branch?? what kind of BS moronic garbage is that??
We'll see where agag comes down on this... he has survived so far,m but he is on thin ice still...
TRY to imagine the size of the bricks the bush admin must be $hittiñg at the prospect of a new AG...
Posted by: seth | June 22, 2007 2:26 PM
How can any reporter talk about Congress's low polling numbers and not mention the Immigration Shamnesty Bill? This week's USA Today/Zogby poll found that only 3% (!) of Americans liked what Congress is doing on immigration.
The public here isn't disappointed by Congressional inaction--they're disappointed by one of the few things the Dem Congress is actually doing.
Posted by: Bruce | June 22, 2007 3:53 PM
Jerry White, as a service to you, here is a link to Tom Delay's indictment http://fl1.findlaw.com/news.findlaw.com/wp/docs/delay/delay92805ind.pdf. Please read it so that you can understand why this is not "prosecutorial misconduct" and why a jury of Delay's peers indicted him.
You are a concerned citizen, which is commendable, but you need to do some original research. Fox News and Rush Limbaugh aren't going to make you an informed concerned citizen. As a suggestion for a next step, please look up Dick Durbin's actual comments.
Posted by: TOLFTRP | June 22, 2007 6:40 PM
I think Congress has done a very good job with the US Attorney firing scandal. The Tribune reports that a sixth DOJ person resigned today. I don't think that would have happened without the testimony that Congress has solicited.
Ms. Zuckman, has the Tribune covered the details of the Carol Lam firing at all? She was the US Attorney who indicted Rep. Cunningham (R), Dusty Foggo, (#3 person at the CIA), and Brent Wilkes, who did business with Rep. Cunningham and allegedly with Vice President Cheney's office. Please point your readers to a story about Carol Lam if one exists. If such stories aren't covered, then naturally the public is going to have a lower opinion of Congress than it otherwise should.
Posted by: TOLFTRP | June 22, 2007 6:55 PM
Alex, how is that "ethics" bull the Demoncrats passed affecting Rep. Jefferson? Sen. Reid and his land deals? Dianne Feinstein and her shady connections? What about Peloooozi? Murtha? Obama and his shenanigans with Rezko? The poor excuse of a human being that is Dick Durbin? What about Ted Kennedy's ethics? Or how about Hillary in which two books say she committed crimes and perjured herself? Or the Hollywood fundraiser in 2002 that was illegal and she lied about?
Posted by: John D | June 22, 2007 10:52 PM
John D, just so you know, I'm neither a Republican nor a Democrat. However, I find the GOP such a shamble I can never see myself voting for them. Ever.
but to get to your point, Rep. Jefferson should be in jail. Democrats should cut this man from all his positions and force him to step down.
Reid has done nothing wrong with his land deals. All of which were transparent.
What has Dick Durbin done which is wrong? he thinks differently then you?
anyone who breaks the law should be subjected to its punishments. what you fail to understand is that the GOP has done nothing in terms of ethics reform in their time in power. In fact, I've seen the most corrupt government in history come from the '94 GOP wave that touted ethics and term limits as their primary platform (of which we got worse ethics and ongoing terms for those who promised to retire by now). The GOP is so void of ethics it needs to lie to a nation to go to war while destroying the lives of good men, women & their families as a direct result of those lies. The GOP is dirtier than a would be who's who convention of corrupt chicago pols.
what you post illustrates is the strawman argument that the GOP uses time and time again as their tool of debate. It's not the act that the Dems actually accomplished some sort of ethics reform (against GOP opposition) but that Dems are so corrupt, therefore we should ignore the legislation passed.
Only an inane person could formulate such debate. Not to mention that your form of debate is neither honest nor helpful for our nation's health.
Posted by: alex | June 23, 2007 5:11 PM