Congress in a Wordle
Dysfunctional. Corrupt. Selfish. It’s not hard to guess what these words are describing. Examine a word cloud to see what the public thinks of Congress.
Public’s Economic Woes Persist
Americans don’t favor the current health care reform legislation, but most opponents prefer a new bill to no bill and more see their health care costs rising without reform than with it. Nearly everyone gives the national economy a negative rating; 70% of Americans say they have faced one or more job or financial-related problems in the past year
Legislative Lessons
Most have heard something about partisan tactics on the bill, but only a third know how many votes health care reform will need in the next Senate vote.
Census: Growing Awareness, Most Ready For Forms
Those with lower levels of income and education remain significantly less likely than others to say they will take part in the census. All partisans want to participate, but Democrats are more likely than independents or Republicans to say the census will benefit their community.
Deficit Concerns Rise, But Solutions Are Elusive
While an increasing number of Americans cite addressing the government’s red ink as a priority, there is not much support for spending cuts, regardless of party.
Post-Summit, More See Health Reform Passing
Belief that a bill will pass is on the rise, but still a minority opinion. Americans are still hearing mostly bad news about jobs.
Public Focuses on Health Care and Olympics
Following the White House health care summit about a third of Americans think reform will pass this year, up from 27% before the meeting.
Support for Alternative Energy and Offshore Drilling
Americans strongly favor increased funding for research on wind, solar and hydrogen technology and more spending on mass transit, but majorities also support offshore drilling and nuclear power. Half have heard nothing at all about “cap and trade.”
Sports Centered
The Winter Olympics proved to be the public’s top story, while Americans’ favorite water-cooler topic was Tiger Woods.
Favorability Ratings of Labor Unions Fall Sharply
Favorable views of labor unions have plummeted since 2007, amid growing public skepticism about unions’ purpose and power. Currently, 41% say they have a favorable opinion of labor unions while about as many (42%) express an unfavorable opinion.
