A December 12 CBS News poll found that people blame Republicans in Congress for gridlock in Washington over President Obama and the Democrats by a 42 percent to 26 percent margin.
On December 12, First Street Research Group released a report on the top federal lobbyists in Washington. It found that former members of Congress generate the greatest lobbying revenue.
A December 12 Gallup poll found that people rate the ethics of members of Congress below every other profession, including lobbyists, car salesmen, and telemarketers.
Also on December 12, Gallup released a poll showing that peoples’ fear of big government is rising while their fear of big business and big labor is falling.
A December 9 Gallup poll found record-high anti-incumbent sentiment among voters for Congress.
A December 8 Gallup poll found that Republicans are becoming less enthusiastic about voting in 2012 while Democrats are becoming more so. It speculates that the rapid rise and fall of various Republican presidential contenders may be a factor.
Also on December 8, Third Way published a study of independent voters. It finds that in key battle ground states the number of registered independents has risen while the number of both Republicans and Democrats has fallen.
A December 5 Gallup poll examined the political leanings of the ultra-wealthy. It finds that while they are mostly Republican, they are not very conservative.
On December 5, the Institute for the Study of Labor published a study which found that traffic fatalities fell significantly in states permitting medical marijuana use due to reduced alcohol consumption.
In a December 5 commentary, Princeton historian Julian Zelizer argued that “fairness” is a winning political issue for Democrats.
Bruce Bartlett is an American historian and columnist who focuses on the intersection between politics and economics. He blogs daily and writes a weekly column for The Fiscal Times. Bartlett has written for Forbes Magazine and Creators Syndicate, and his work is informed by many years in government, including as a senior policy analyst in the Reagan White House. He is the author of seven books including his new book: The Benefit and the Burden.
