A new poll from Gallup finds that Americans view both the Democratic and Republican Parties less favorably.
Americans still rate the Republican Party less favorably than the Democratic Party, 39% vs. 46%. But both parties' ratings are down from November 2012. The Democrats' rating dropped more, from 51% just after President Barack Obama won re-election. Americans' ratings of the Democratic Party are now more on par with readings earlier in 2012, while their ratings of the GOP are the lowest since May 2010. …
Americans continue to view the Republican Party less favorably than the Democratic Party, but neither party musters a positive image among a majority of Americans. The Democrats' current favorability lead over the Republicans is not unusual historically, and hardly assures a pending Democratic wave in 2014. Republicans had even lower favorability ratings in surveys shortly after the 2008 presidential election, but regained their footing over the ensuing two years and routed the Democrats in the 2010 congressional elections.
More broadly speaking, these depressed favorability ratings appear to be a continuation of a longer trend that has seen Americans sour on the two parties. With the exception of one instance right after the November 2012 elections, neither party has had a majority favorable rating since August 2009, and the favorable ratings of the two parties are below their historical averages. Meanwhile, about a fifth of Americans disapprove of both parties.
When a majority of the country doesn’t like what you’re doing or what you stand for, maybe it’s time for some self reflection and an adherence to what the respective parties’ first principles are. Currently, we have big government taking over education, healthcare, attempting to manipulate the economy, and eavesdropping on our phone calls in the name of national security. Democrats and Republicans alike have gone along with all that—and maybe that’s what the American public dislikes.