---
title: "Democrats, Not Bush, Should Take Lead in Solving the Nation’s Problems"
description: "That's the proportion of Americans who, in the wake of this November's elections, want Democratic leaders rather than President Bush to take the lead in addressing national problems. Only 29% say the president should take the lead."
date: "2006-11-30"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2006/11/30/democrats-not-bush-should-take-lead-in-solving-the-nations-problems/"
---

# Democrats, Not Bush, Should Take Lead in Solving the Nation’s Problems

By 51%-29%, more Americans want Democratic leaders — rather than President Bush — to take the lead in solving the nation’s problems. Twelve years ago, when the Republicans swept into control of Congress, the public was divided over whether GOP congressional leaders (43%), or President Clinton (39%), should take the lead in addressing national problems. And many Democrats are cool to the idea of their leaders cooperating with President Bush. About half of Democrats (51%) say party leaders should “stand up” to Bush on important issues, even if that means less gets done in Washington; 42% believe Democratic leaders should try to work with Bush, even if it means disappointing some Democratic supporters. By contrast, most Republicans (61%) want their party’s leaders to try to work with Democratic leaders, while 30% believe GOP leaders should stand up to the Democrats. [Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/pubs/273/public-cheers-democratic-victory)