… Signs of political dysfunction abound in the United States government. Perhaps the best illustration is the ongoing fight over the U.S. budget, the national debt, and tax and entitlement reform , which has led to extraordinary (and so far unsuccessful) efforts to resolve legislative stalemate including the “super committee” […] Read more »
Midterm Elections Unlikely to Alter Party Balance
Like the current shape of divided government here? Didn’t think so. Well, get used to the combination of a Republican House with a Democratic Senate and White House. It’s likely to remain that way for the next four years, not just two. [cont.] John Harwood, New York Times Read more »
Public still anxious over economy, has little faith in Washington
President Barack Obama’s job approval rating is a so-so 50 percent, as Americans continue to have serious concerns about whether the country is headed in the right direction, according to a new McClatchy-Marist poll. People want a speedier, more robust economic recovery, and they’re sick of the bickering that’s characterized […] Read more »
Quietly and behind the scenes, gun research and regulation has been stymied
Each year, lawmakers quietly tuck language into spending bills that restricts the ability of the federal government to regulate the firearms industry and combat gun crime. It’s the reason the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can’t research gun violence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation can’t use data to detect […] Read more »
Nearly Half Say Gov’t Environmental Efforts Lacking
Americans tilt toward the view that the government is doing too little to protect the environment — at 47% — while 16% say it is doing too much. Another 35% say the government’s efforts on the environment are about right. … Significantly more Democrats (59%) than Republicans (33%) say the […] Read more »
The Real Reason Public Opinion Doesn’t Work
… “Public opinion” is barely real; most of the time, on most issues, change the wording of the question and you’ll get entirely different answers. At best, “public opinion” as such is passive. And in politics, passive doesn’t get results. Action works. [cont.] Jonathan Bernstein, A plain blog about politics Read more »