Attributing Blame For The Current Government Embarrassment

This Great Graphic displays the results of a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll about the negotiations over the budget. Clearly, disapproval of the US Congress and President Obama has risen. However, the Republicans in Congress are faring the worst, with their behavior disapproved by 70%. In fact, the "strong disapproval" rating for the Congressional Republicans has risen from 42% to 51%.

The survey found that Obama's approval rating has actually rose in the most recent period, due, though its disapproval score edged higher. The survey found that Obama's approval rating improved due to improvement among moderate Democrats and Independents. The latter is politically important as that independents are seen to be the key to not only the 2014 congressional elections, but the 2016 presidential race as well.

Approval for the Republicans in Congress has slipped below the 25% mark. This is not just a function of Democrats and Independents. The survey found that only half (52%) of Republicans approve how their party in Congress is handling the budget negotiations. Liberal and moderate Republicans are being alienated. They approval of the Republicans in Congress has fallen to 44%.

These are the kind of results that raise the potential cost to the Republican Party, and will ultimately help force a change in tactics. The longer it takes now the more damage will be inflicted. The key compromise is not between the Republicans and Democrats, or Obama and the Republican controlled House of Representative, but between the northern and southern wings of the Republican Party itself. Unlike other populist movements, the Tea Party is trying to gain control of one of the two major parties, instead of striking out on its own. The key issue will the northern wing of the Republicans allow this if it means their own demise.