November 11, 2009
Posted: November 11th, 2009 05:57 PM ET

From

A new poll suggests that Republicans are more enthusiastic than Democrats about voting in next year's midterm elections.
A new poll suggests that Republicans are more enthusiastic than Democrats about voting in next year's midterm elections.

Washington (CNN) - When it comes to Congress, a 'throw the bums out' attitude appears to be alive and well.

According to a new Pew Research Center poll, 52 percent of registered voters would like to see their own member of the House of Representatives re-elected next year, while just over one in three say that most members of Congress should be returned to office. Both numbers come close to the all-time lows seen just prior to the 1994 election, when the Republicans won control of Congress, and the 2006 contest, when the Democrats returned to power in both chambers.

The survey indicates that only 42 percent of independent voters want to see their own representative re-elected in 2010, and just one in four independents think most members of Congress should be returned to office.

The poll suggests that Republicans are more enthusiastic than Democrats. Fifty-eight percent of people who say they plan to vote for Republican in next year's elections say they are very enthusiastic about voting. That's 16 points higher than the 42 percent of people of plan to vote for a Democrat who describe themselves as enthusiastic.

A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released last week also indicated that Republicans are more energized right now than Democrats.

"The party that is out of power usually gets to play on offense, while the party in power is essentially playing defense," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "Playing offense gets your team pumped up. Maybe the same psychology is at work on the political playing field this year."

Next November, all 435 seats in the House and more than a third of the Senate seats are up for grabs. Democrats currently hold a 258-177 advantage in the House, and a 20-seat margin in the Senate.

The Pew Research Center poll was conducted October 28-November 8, with 1,644 registered voters questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Follow Paul Steinhauser on Twitter: @psteinhausercnn

Filed under: 2010 • Democrats • Extra • GOP • Poll • Popular Posts


One and Done   November 11th, 2009 10:59 pm ET

One and Done
Four and the Door
No mosi Pelosi
No feed for Mr Reid
In the tank for Barney Frank
It's the Poseidon for Biden

bye bye democraps – oh yes we can

Don From Philly   November 11th, 2009 10:52 pm ET

Any one up for re-election get rid of them: Let’s start 2010 with all new Democrats and Republicans and let them work together so our kids and grand kids have a good life.

Mark   November 11th, 2009 10:50 pm ET

You never heard the media talk about how low the democrat ran congress approval ratings where.

jamesvw   November 11th, 2009 10:48 pm ET

Learn more about the special elections coming up in the next few months at electioninfo.wordpress.com

dharc   November 11th, 2009 10:44 pm ET

Here in Nevada,Harry Reid is already behind double digits behind Sue Lowden. We will run to vote him out in 12 months. He's known for dirty real estate deals,dirty back door dealing in the Senate and bringing illegal aliens to work for the casino operators here in Las Vegas.Corzine spent 130 million dollars and still lost. Goodbye Harry... Also Lou Dobbs is a gentleman and I wish him well. I will no longer watch CNN.

shovelhead   November 11th, 2009 10:35 pm ET

Well it's about time people in this country are pulling their heads out of their butts and seeing these Dims for what they truly are.

Steve   November 11th, 2009 10:33 pm ET

VOTE THEM ALL OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They no longer represent us!!!!!!!

Reaganomics Leads To Feudalism   November 11th, 2009 10:33 pm ET

Mark my words...

A vote for a Republican in 2010 will be a vote for our President's impeachment and possible removal from office.

Is THIS what you people really want?

Marion   November 11th, 2009 10:32 pm ET

Asking a poll question about elections that are a year away is like asking someone what they want for dinner a month from now. They might give you an answer, but whether they'll actually stick with that choice is anybody's guess.

Frankly, I'm getting a little tired of these polls. It's as if the media has airtime and Web space to fill, so they have to come up with something–anything–that they can publish.

I have a suggestion. Why not run a poll to see who will win the 2020 presidential election?

Reaganomics Leads To Feudalism   November 11th, 2009 10:29 pm ET

Yeah...yeah...yeah...Go ahead...

Put the right-wing extremists back in power. You think that things are a mess now?

Just wait until we have a congressional majority who absolutely hate, despise, and detest our President so much that they will make his impeachment and removal from office their NUMBER ONE priority.

For the "good of the country" of course...

(Even if they have to FABRICATE an excuse to do it.)

Life Long Democrat   November 11th, 2009 10:07 pm ET

Democrats deserve it, once again they have squandered their opportunity. Do your job or get fired. Have fun looking for work in this economy, maybe that will be the lesson you needed to learn. What a joke.

Lon, Richland, Wa   November 11th, 2009 10:03 pm ET

i see voters are starting to wake up!!

Corey   November 11th, 2009 9:58 pm ET

Yes please vote republican. So they can finish wrecking the country. If you think our government is in deadlock now wait and put those bums back in control.

Nothing matters, people blame Obama for everything. The stuff I hear is so disrespectful it's sad. Obama descreated the tomb of the unknowns, Obama should have apologized to the soldiers at Ft Hood for a fellow muslim for shooting them. These people need to get a grip on reality first then think about governing our country.

I for one can not wait for next CEO President. Just warn me so I can protect my assets this time.

Red Ted   November 11th, 2009 9:57 pm ET

As a Republican this is good news but not for the reasons one may think – I hope that Democrats see the writing on the wall and actually try to change things for the good of the country. But if they fail to, then at least we have a chance to vote them out in less than a year now.

Danny J   November 11th, 2009 9:52 pm ET

This is a good thing, when you have 2 branches, and the majority of Americans fall in the middle, its best to have two different parties control them.

zuq   November 11th, 2009 9:52 pm ET

Stop it. We don't care about these cheesy local elections. The mayors have no power.

Chris   November 11th, 2009 9:47 pm ET

Back and forth, back and forth.

chenna_benna   November 11th, 2009 9:44 pm ET

I don't think it is an anti-incumbent sentiment. I think that it is more of an anti-do-nothing sentiment. During this recession, the American people want to see that their elected officials are getting things done that will directly help the average American. Americans want to see action out of Washington right now, but they feel that those in office, both Dems and Repubs, are really getting things done or moving fast enough. Repubs and Dems will claim victory in 2010 based on whether or not their constituents feel that their elected officials are working hard for them.

valwayne   November 11th, 2009 9:43 pm ET

Democrats have controlled Congress for 3 years and the entire Government for almost a year. What do we have to show for it? 10.2% UNEMPLOYMENT! More corrupt spending, debt, and printed money than in the history of the world. And are they working on fixing any of it? NO! Their priority isn't jobs or getting spending under control its the largest most massive increase in spending in U.S. history with the complete takeover of our healthcare system. A program they may bankrupt the nation and the costs and taxes will kill millions more jobs! And while domestic policy is a disaster foreign policy is even worse. We hear every day that the Iranians have hidden a vast nuclear program and may have a nuclear arsenal in 2010. One they can share with terrorists and Hugo Chavez. What we are seeing is the corruption of power. If we don't restore balance in our Government in 2010 we may not recover for generations!

Bpin   November 11th, 2009 9:38 pm ET

My take, and I voted for BHO. BHO came to us with great promise. He talked about change and being different. I am not affiliated with any political party, but I try to vote for the best that I see, and he was the best. Since taking office, BHO has failed me. He has not lived up to a single promise that he made, and he is now waffeling on some of them. Right now, he in no way reflects any type of change. I did not vote for GWB and he is the worst President in history. BHO, unlike he Promised, is no better than GWB and as a matter of fact he is worse. People are not stupid. The leader of them DC is BHO, and he is far from the leader he promised to be. So, you have what you have.

Dave   November 11th, 2009 9:27 pm ET

The more the Dems push a left wing agenda; the quicker they will be out side looking in. Can't wait for election day 2010.

Dennis   November 11th, 2009 9:24 pm ET

I feel like nobody in Congress 'gets it'...and I say we wake the slugs up by voting out EVERY incumbent, period! Their benefits & salary increase while the rest of us are suffering out here...but the most important thing we need to get through to the new legislators we elect is to change the culture of thinking that allows the United States to be for sale to the richest & most 'generous' lobbyist. People don't try to get elected because the pay is so good...its all the 'perks' they recieve from special interests that is the big draw. Why don't we have citizens serve in Congress like they do in the Armed Forces? That way there isn't time to form 'good 'ol boy' networks that hurt the rest of us. Crazy? Yeah...maybe crazy enough to work! The way it is now is a mess!

Jube   November 11th, 2009 9:18 pm ET

OMG! I HOPE the Republicans don't control congress!

jay in denver   November 11th, 2009 9:18 pm ET

Ooooh, big worries! (NOT!) The lowest re-election rates for House incumbents in the last 10 years was 94 percent. For the Senate it goes all the way down to 79 percent.

Nobody in their right mind would think that the American public will send Democrats packing wholesale in '10 and go back to the ineptitude of the last eight years. Just won't happen. Especially as the far-right faction of the GOP tries to teabag its own party in the interests of ideological purity.

Pundits are forgetting that the largest voting bloc in American history just registered last year. If they exercise and eat their veggies, this group will be voting against the failed policies of George W. Bush for the next 60 years. Buh-bye, GOP.

Paul H   November 11th, 2009 9:17 pm ET

I'm as sick as anyone is with our so called Representatives. I can't stand the political agenda this administration would like to take us in.
But the Republicans still haven't proved they will stand up for the people either.
We need to really find the politicians that will really work for the people, and our constitution, protect our borders, stand up to our enemies.
This needs to be about real working politicians, and less about the two party system we have let our country lull itself into.

tenjets   November 11th, 2009 9:16 pm ET

Folks need to remember the state the country degraded to by only three sessions of republican majorities before they start clammoring to throw out to democrats.

fortydammer   November 11th, 2009 9:16 pm ET

My My My, how short our memories are! It will take decades to undue the damage inflicted on this country by Bush. He left us in two wars, economy unlike anything seen since the great depression, and the entire world hating us. Palin, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, and the Antichrist Rush Limbaugh have solidified this countries hatred. These talk show folks are the new terrorist in our country.

Tony T   November 11th, 2009 9:16 pm ET

Term Limits are the only way to stop these lobbyists and special interests. The age of some of these represnetatives makes them so out of touch with the real world. If people aren't smart enough to vote them out, with they aren't obviously, TERM LIMITS IS A MUST. But the same people who need to pass it would be affected. I applaud the GOP for bringing it up. If the president has a term limit, never understood why these stuffed shirts get to stay as long as people are acting like sheep.

Tom in VA   November 11th, 2009 9:15 pm ET

The GOP takes 2 governorships in 2 states that have a LONG history of swapping parties for governor....

... Yet they LOSE a House seat that have been republican for a HUNDRED years...

.Oh yeah...the GOP is back alright.

Please.

Olu Ola   November 11th, 2009 9:13 pm ET

CNN please come off this republican failed poll.The Grand Old Party pushed the nation to a halt for 8 years and we are still grappling with that.
These polls are unreasonable.

John G   November 11th, 2009 9:02 pm ET

Hey this is what happens when you don't back your promises up with anything of note.

This President and Congress are squandering a golden opportunity to pass legislation that they feel will strengthen this nation by playing partisan games and worrying more about public image than they do about doing their jobs.

They lose credibility every time they pass something along party lines in spite of their promises to work across the aisle.

They lose credibility every time they suggest using an underhanded tactic like reconciliation to pass health care ( and yes reconciliation is underhanded when Republicans do it too).

They lose credibility when they spend days slapping Joe Wilson on the wrist for speaking his mind but go on vacation in stead of debating health care.

It is not surprising that nobody wants these clowns in office anymore.

Chris   November 11th, 2009 9:01 pm ET

Wow, I guess the American public has short term memory: we seem to have forgotten how, for the last 8 years, the Republicans mucked things up for us.

Ant   November 11th, 2009 8:53 pm ET

Oh yeah? And just what are they all so pumped-up about? Palin? Boehner? Bachman...who, by the way, was lionized in a recent CNN article as displaying a bracing lack of equivocation on moral issues. Great, a pack of extremist liars with their heels dug in. What an ideal alternative they offer America. Hey, thoughtful leadership goes too slow for us, so let's try anarchy.

Bill   November 11th, 2009 8:39 pm ET

Well as a lifelong Republican I don't plan
on voting for one.
They just got us into this BIG MESS!!!
And it may take a genie to get us out.
A US Navy Vet

Jim in New Mexico   November 11th, 2009 8:30 pm ET

Maybe it's real Americans getting energized and not Democrats or Republicans who have both sold America down the river.

P.G   November 11th, 2009 8:25 pm ET

Maybe in theory your article may be correct. But, where's the viable candidate? Pawlenty? Jindal? Palin? ......pffffft.
Sorry, but the majority is still sick of christian fundamentalism, trickle down economics, and global warming denial.

jerry   November 11th, 2009 8:22 pm ET

It is time for a new Congress. Every voter should not vote for an incumbent, Democratic or Republican. For eight years the Republicans had a chance to reduce the budget but continued spending and putting the pork out and now the Democrats have done more in less than two years to do the same thing.
We need 535 new members of Congress and send a message to quit spending money where there is none and get rid of the pork.

Unemployed In Iowa because of Obama   November 11th, 2009 8:19 pm ET

Vote all the bums out and impeach obama.

lila   November 11th, 2009 8:18 pm ET

Getting a good health care bill passed will help put blood back into the democratic party. After that Obama/congress need to put serious regulations on banks. Really. I can't stress the need for that enough. I understand the economy and job growth.. ect ect ect... but the White House and congress now look like they are in the Bank lobby pocket and it will hurt them very badly come election time if that image is not fixed fast. What ever bubble they are living in, that message has to be received by them if they want to hold on to the house.

Jennifer W   November 11th, 2009 8:15 pm ET

I SAY FLIP THAT HOUSE NEXT YEAR!! These politicians forget who they really work for, US! Maybe they'll think twice about who's buying their votes and remember that if they dont vote the way the constituents who put them in office want them to, they'll be among the many unemployed!! Tea Party Express here we come next year!!

Real TN Christian   November 11th, 2009 8:13 pm ET

Sixteen years of winter, G.O.Goobers!!!!!

ThinkAgain   November 11th, 2009 8:12 pm ET

People need to start THINKING! Not all incumbents are bad – some actually become more effective as they gain experience.

Our country also need to grow the heck up and stop being so impatient with everything! We also need to start using our heads – it's unbelievable how many people accept what they hear without checking out the facts for themselves.

THAT'S the problem with our electorate! We're getting lazy, folks – as evidenced by all the people who listen to Fox, Limbaugh and others who are proven liars and yet still have an audience.

Perusing-through   November 11th, 2009 8:08 pm ET

SIMPLE SOLUTION:

Vote out the Republicans and all will be okay. With the Republicans out, there will be no more fights and the "thinking & true compassionate people" will lead.
.

DJ in the Silicon Forest   November 11th, 2009 8:05 pm ET

Is this poll a trick question? What a joke! Of course we the people are all hacked off! I'm sick and tired of these exalted, pompous do-nothings DOING NOTHING except running this country into the ground and taxing us to death in the process! As someone who has NEVER missed any election (big or small) in 31 years, I can't wait to vote out all the incumbents in my district/state on Nov 2, 2010! Hopefully Sen. Murray will be shown the door FOR GOOD!!

IVOTE   November 11th, 2009 8:01 pm ET

Look out everyone...Lou Dobbs just quit his job. He will let us know when he joins the tea baggers.

Glen Wilson   November 11th, 2009 7:57 pm ET

I am only surprised that the support for incumbents is not lower. Regardless of party affiliation, our elected leaders have a collective record of failure. Failure to regulate the financial markets, failure to control spending and debt, failure to acknowledge and act on the financial crisis in government. The list could go on and on.

It is time for new leaders and maybe even a new political party.

Independent Bob   November 11th, 2009 7:56 pm ET

It is time for voters to re-establish their rightful place as the ultimate power in this country. We need to ensure our elected officials appreciate that fact in 2010. For too long they have gotten comfortable and more insolated and isolated from us. Political careerism and incumbency re-election rates has given rise to a lack of accountability.

The perpetual campaign cycle has led our elected officials to make policy decisions based on political considerations – what decision pays the most political dividends. Decisions that are not necessarily the best or most principled ones.

The Constitution established a system of frequent elections to allow voters to be the ultimate power. Let's find and elect candidates that will re-establish the tradition of the voluntary quit, candidates that will impose term limits on themselves. By doing so we can elect candidates whose policy decisions will not be driven by the need to gain political advantage or capital. If our elected officials were not in a perpetual campaign cycle we would actually get better policy decisions.

aliou   November 11th, 2009 7:52 pm ET

The only reason a democrat would not be reelected at any position is if they do not pass a strong public option.

Republicans know they are fried and for a long time.

Mike, formerly from Syracuse   November 11th, 2009 7:51 pm ET

So let's see, which party has the most seats to defend? Hmmm, tough one, is it the Dumocrats?

Tony   November 11th, 2009 7:47 pm ET

Seriously?

I guess the natural reaction to being gut kicked by your opponent is revenge. I think there is enough public anger against the lack of will amongst Republicans to just do the right thing for AMERICA and equally against the Democrats to just get something done that any warm body with common sense and a love for this country has a shot in 2010.

Hell I may run. Then at least I would have the best health care the government can offer. Just ask a Senator or a House Rep. Oh wait that's socialism.

Alex   November 11th, 2009 7:47 pm ET

Hopefully plenty of 3rd Party and independent candidates will grace the ballots nationwide, to spare the people the choice between the neanderthal right and the bait-and-switch "left" (Ha! Left of Mussolini, maybe...).

I want to see my representative, Ed Markey, out of office, not because his name is on a horrendous piece of climate legislation that rewards long-term polluters, but because he has now voted twice in support of Israeli war crimes, just this year; first in January in the midst of the Gaza massacre, and then last week, condemning to the crucial Goldstone report, which confirms Israel's actions as essentially genocidal.

Almost no one in Congress really deserves to keep their job... Possible exceptions include the great Dennis Kucinich, Russ Feingold, Bernie Sanders, Jerry Nadler, John Conyers, Alan Grayson, and Al Franken.

Deuce   November 11th, 2009 7:46 pm ET

The USA! Is a free country, for all freeloaders. Especialy all these idiots who bring their God with them. Cut the Crap CNN. Tell them to go away..

Right Leaning Independent   November 11th, 2009 7:46 pm ET

I will vote mine out if you vote your's out!!

C. Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 11th, 2009 7:46 pm ET

Republicans take no responsibility for the mess we are in but sure know how to play the blame game with no solutions. If this country is taken back by Republicans there will be no recovery, just continued wealth for the 1% out of 300,000 million and growing population that aren't included.

MatthewDetroit   November 11th, 2009 7:43 pm ET

Time to vote EVERYONE out....
They are all running the country into the ground...
The last 17 years INCLUDINgthis year has been all bad.

tata mcgee   November 11th, 2009 7:42 pm ET

CNN is such an ideology driven organization is doesn't understand what the hell is going on with Obama and his cadre of radicals.

Tired of stupidity   November 11th, 2009 7:41 pm ET

I find this one funny since everyone here in Maricopa Country Arizona is throw out the incumbents, Impeach Congress get rid of Pelosi and Reid although they are not in thier districts they complain, but they will step up and put the morons like Shadegg and Flake back in office. This poll has no real meaning.

Dwayne   November 11th, 2009 7:39 pm ET

Seriously? If Bush can get re-elected on his terrible numbers and terrible job he was doing, then I guess the future for the Democrats don't look so grim after all. Keep your numbers...we'll see on election day. Talk is cheap. By the way CNN. Thanks for either getting rid of Lou Dobbs or for letting him resign so quickly either way you may feel it's a loss to your network, I believe it's of benifit to your network.

Let Fox have him. That's where someone like Lou belongs...to a network that misinforms and minipulates it's audience on a regular to keep manufactured opposition up and running.

mjm   November 11th, 2009 7:39 pm ET

That's because most voters didn't sign up for Socialism.

There will always be small fundamental differences between parties, but the country will ALWAYS be right of center. You cannot spend people’s tax dollars recklessly and expect to say in office.

At least $1.2 trillion on health care? 5 years in jail if you don’t buy health insurance? All based on a Medicare system that’s going broke in 10 years? Are you kidding?

Fiscal responsibility worked for Reagan, it worked for Clinton and JFK, and it would have worked for Bush if he had controlled spending a little better (that and the Dems refusing to control Fannie and Freddie).

Liberals will NEVER be in office again. It’ll be Conservatives and Blue dogs from now on.

Senior Lilarose in Oregon   November 11th, 2009 7:38 pm ET

Ah, well, people who abandon our president in the coming terms will have to suffer the consequences.

More George W. Bush types.

NYCgirl   November 11th, 2009 7:32 pm ET

I am open to voting for anyone – I'm a center/left independent voter. To give you an idea – I adore Olympia Snowe...Mike Bloomberg...that type. I have no problem with incumbents per se...but I am made very nervous by all this Christian right republican stuff being shoved down my throat. I hate to break it them, but not everyone in this country is a conservative Christian and I stop hearing their valid points when they cloak it in theology.

once upon a horse   November 11th, 2009 7:28 pm ET

Republicans, the group that so far has had NO answers for anything at all are more enthusiastic than Democrats are. ABOUT WHAT?? The tea party bunch? Last time I saw that only 20% of Americans consider themselves to be Republicans, the GOP approval rating was in the mid 30s at best. How in the heck can they talk about taking over Congress? I just wonder who CNN polled here, must have been the tea baggers and Glenn Beck several times over.

Willy Brown   November 11th, 2009 7:28 pm ET

Democrats have had control since 2006 and have done nothing but obstruct and whine. Now we know who the real do nothing party of "no" is. Hee Haw!

Mike   November 11th, 2009 7:25 pm ET

With great joy I just heard Lou Dobbs announce that he would soon leave cnn. This was destined to be as Dobbs drifted ever more into the very far right wing of the political spectrum. In no way did Dobbs succeed in his pretence of being 'independant' or balanced in his radical right ,nightly rants. Now Dobbs can freely join fellow neo con nut ball Beck in the rapid Fox den.

RLA   November 11th, 2009 7:23 pm ET

Americans are feeling that government is totally out of control in terms of spending, size, and by injecting itself in everyone's lives. Americans also feeling that they're paying too much in taxes...having to work harder to underwrite those who won't. On top of that, they feel that their elected leaders just aren't listening.

2010 will be a time of change. 2012 will be a time of greater change.
It's a wonder the Democrats in office aren't sensing this...or maybe they just don't care. One wonders.

President Obama promised change. Looks like he's going to get it in a way he never expected. It's time to take back America!

Vietnam vet   November 11th, 2009 7:21 pm ET

people have such short memories. Did you forget who wiped out a Federal surplus to the largest deficit, did you forget who was in office on September 11, 2001, did you forget that we invaded a country that had nothing to do with 9/11, did you forget that by invading Iraq we allowed Iran to grow unfettered, did you forget that the recession started in 2007 and the Administration did nothing, did you forget that it was the Bush administration that gave the banks and insurance companies billions, in less than a week. If you vote Republican in the next election, you deserve what you get.

Idi Amin   November 11th, 2009 7:16 pm ET

This is a figment of your imagination...
the power that mobilized millions in 2008 is alive, vibrant, and strong as ever. It persists underground, behind the scenes, and as adimant as it was in 2007-2008 to change this nation. It takes time, and we Dems are still strongly behind our nations President, as we are behind the power in our own transitions to make this a better nation.
Time will tell. I predict an overwhelming silent majority to vote in Dems and Barack Obama again as out nations continued Presidency – easily, hands down. Republican propaganda only works for the feable minded.

Kirk   November 11th, 2009 7:11 pm ET

Wow. Texting, Twitter, etc. have really ruined the memory span of Americans. Remember, George W. Bush spent 8 years getting our country into this mess, and might take 8 years or more to get back out.

Give the Democratic Party a chance. Give them your patience and support. Bear in mind the last time we enjoyed peace and prosperity was under the most recent Democratic president, Bill Clinton. It will happen again, but Bush did so much damage that it might take a while to heal.

Kim   November 11th, 2009 7:10 pm ET

Without a public option I will vote them out.

I don't believe that this country can survive 80 Million baby boomers relying on medicare and medicaid. I believe the healthcare companies should be held in line just as we had to do with the telephone and power companies.

With pofits climbing our national debt will climb. It"s good to be different but we can watch and learn from what works in other countries.

Darth Vadik, CA   November 11th, 2009 7:09 pm ET

And this is news why?
The people are always PO's at the incumbents during their terms, you really have to be crazy and go coo-coo bananas like the Republicans did for 6 years to have them thrown out on their butts.

3:1 odds we get a new poll in a day saying something like people are unhappy with incumbents but they prefer the Democrats anyway.

This sets it up for......   November 11th, 2009 7:05 pm ET

Sarah Palin/Liz Cheney in 2012'

Obama is ONE and DONE.

cbk16   November 11th, 2009 7:04 pm ET

Rassmussen polling has been showning this for months, this is not new for those who read the Drudgreport.com. Why hasn't CNN covered this story earlier?

ran   November 11th, 2009 6:56 pm ET

The Democrats will be coming out in force 2010and 2012 especially if the party of "NO" continue their obstructionist ways.

Daniel, Denver   November 11th, 2009 6:54 pm ET

really? who comes up with this stuff. These people figuring out these numbers are just awful, and are ruining our government.

Four and The Door   November 11th, 2009 6:52 pm ET

The way the Democrats in congress have been voting this year, they must have been feeling 10 feet tall and bulletproof because of their historic victories in 11 '08.

They are not bulletproof and they have given Republicans so much ammo to campaign with it will be a Grand Party for the Grand Ole Party after 2010 votes are counted.

Obama's got more time to clean up his act, but he has dug a deep hole to crawl out of.

OldUncleTom   November 11th, 2009 6:52 pm ET

Districts have been drawn to ensure that we all like "our" reps, but not anyone else's. This is deliberate and gets more effective with every census.

Most Americans think their rep is some guy named "Incumbent" anyway, so it matters little.

I'd like to see Term Limits, fairly drawn congressional districts, and the end of Seniority in the Senate and House, but then I also know I'm dreaming.

old timer   November 11th, 2009 6:51 pm ET

Vote out all who have done a bad job of voting. Get their voting results. These jobs were never ment to be life long jobs. Vote the old timers out or put in term limits. Get rid of the yes people who represent you.

Jerry in Florida   November 11th, 2009 6:50 pm ET

I hope this is just one more wake up call for the morons that have taken over our Democratic party. This goes double for you Mr. President!

More to come. Stay tuned!!

Jason   November 11th, 2009 6:48 pm ET

more coverage of the house! stop covering the presidency! i'd bet half the people in the country don't even know who their congressperson is.

Carlos   November 11th, 2009 6:47 pm ET

Throw all the libs out of office and install term limits on the rest of them.

bob in LA   November 11th, 2009 6:46 pm ET

"We" may not like incumbants but the alternative is having waht we got away from just a short 10 months ago.
The grass is not always greener my friends- give it some time.

Common Sense '08   November 11th, 2009 6:46 pm ET

Monday – "Throw the bums out!" Alive and well today
Tuesday – "Throw the bums out!" Dead and off the radar
Wednesday – "Throw the bums out!" Still dead and off the radar
Thursday – "Throw the bums out!" Almost alive and well today
Friday – "Throw the bums out!" Dead in the water!
Saturday – "Throw the bums out!" People not ready for change.
Sunday – "Don't throw out the bums!" Unemployment up; economy improving; health care reform is working.

People changes their minds according to what they feel on any given day. 8 years of political madness! 8 months of change for the better! YOU DO THE MATH!

howie   November 11th, 2009 6:46 pm ET

The democrats simply don't get it. America is fed up with give away programs as well as spend, spend, spend. The public has said over and over that it doesn't want a government run health program and the democrats do not understand their message, so it is pay back time at the polls.

usualone   November 11th, 2009 6:44 pm ET

If the Republicans win in 2010, then we really won't get anything done. Maybe the American government will never get things done again as long as it is so divisive, and people only believe in their party, no matter what are its choices. This President inherited a mess from the last administration. He cannot produce a magic bullet in one year and it is fair for him to comment about the previous 8 years of mess. No one tells him how to fix things from the other party; they just put up roadblocks.

John Ferguson   November 11th, 2009 6:41 pm ET

Shouldn't the REAL story be "A Gallup poll released today gives the Republicans a 48 percent to 44 percent edge over Democrats if the 2010 elections were held today." ? What's this slant about "throw the bums out" and ignoring the fact the republicans are ehad in the polls? I think it's time for the democrats (Pelosi and Reid and crew) to smarten up.

A. Smith   November 11th, 2009 6:35 pm ET

Republican's enthusiastic?

You have got to be kidding me? With icon's Palin and Romney, the Republican party and their Big Pharma, Big Oil corporate masters, are a National Laughing stock.

The puppet strings between Big Oil and Big Pharma with each and every Republican lawmaker is clearly defined and clearly seen.

The republican party is dieing, and thankfully sinking into the toxic sinkhole of their own demise and creation.

A. Smith
Oregon

joe m   November 11th, 2009 6:31 pm ET

if any of these people actually held real jobs they'd have been fired for unsatisfactory performance years ago. time to clean house and get new blood in. i say let's start looking for more independents to take seats from all these jokers. maybe they'd be more willing to move forward that play the games these two parties have been engaged in for decades.

Cevin   November 11th, 2009 6:31 pm ET

To bad we can't get the incumbent lobbyists out.

ICARE   November 11th, 2009 6:31 pm ET

God help us all!! Please allow the DUMMYCRATS to control congress. Dont EVER EVER give Congress to the Republi KON. They have neglected America for thepast 8 years, they dont deserve to be the majority.

Trust me, it's better to give Congress to the DummyCRATS. They're so dumb, they cant see 3 steps ahead of them. This means, they cant harm us or trash the economy to the floor like the republi KON, who for 8 years, gave W, a blank check without even BLINKING.

Trust me, it only takes 3 elephants to scare off all the donkey herds. So, although the ELEPHANTS are the minorities, it will be as good as if they are the majority.

Come on, have the elephants SWEAT a bit! Let them work hard! If you give them control of Congress, it'll just be too easy for them to CON us.

Ed D   November 11th, 2009 6:29 pm ET

We want change. Just change. As long as we keep changing things we get what we want. The change itself has no meaning.

Love Thy Neighbor   November 11th, 2009 6:28 pm ET

I don't think that only 1,644 people of the US is going to call the shots. That is but a meer fraction of the people NOT being polled. How many of them were of a politial party? If people are to believe in polls, they need to be broken down into how many individuals are from a particular group. Who's to say 75% of them were not Republicans or Democrats or Independent. Things change everyday. People die and others fill their shoes. Polls are like trying to predict the future. We know that cannot be done. Let things play out. The American people are not going to be told what or how to think anymore. They are doing so for themselves now. Beau Colby

Just My Opinion in Texas   November 11th, 2009 6:26 pm ET

Personally .... I'd like to kick MOST if not ALL of the Congress out and start over. I am sick & tired of the "in-it-for-life" mentality of the Representatives and Senators! Hey .. newsflash to you Congressional knuckleheads ... You were ELECTED ... not APPOINTED! I know you bozos like your cushy jobs ... the perks ... the power ... the side deals and everything that goes with it .. But you need to LEAVE now! Most of you Congress Critters have been in DC so long ... you're starting to stink like 4 day old fish!

Bring in new faces, different ideas and a fresh perspective to the Hill, why don't you?!?

America is TIRED of business as usual in DC and come 2010 & 2012 we WILL be taking back our government from the crooks, creeps & assorted jerks that comprise the US House & Senate!

I want to clean up America ... and I want to start by power-washing the Hill !!!

SOL   November 11th, 2009 6:25 pm ET

In 2010, its out with the old and in with the new ! The same holds true for 2012. Let's keep firing in incumbents until we have refreshed the Tree of Liberty.

Bye Bye Harry,
Bye Bye Barry,
Bye Bye Nancy
Bye Bye Barack

Tim   November 11th, 2009 6:22 pm ET

Is this really a big suprise to anyone? We actually have some old lady named pelosi making decisions that will affect the lives of every american. Talk about a nightmare! all obama wants to do is blame bush for everything, when in fact, democrats have had control of both the House and the Senate since 06'. 2010 is going to be very ugly for any elected official with a "D" behind their name.

New Father   November 11th, 2009 6:22 pm ET

I guess I should get ready to stop shorting the US dollar, bummer what a great year I had since the stimulus passed. Bet against the US dollar and bet that banks would make a fortune on cheap easy money from the taxpayers. This country is great who cares what party is in charge just remember Wall Street makes money either way and everytime Congress start talking about regulation short that sector and once they don't do anything but get money from the industry get ready to cash out and get long. Thanks Washington you can't create jobs but it is still possible to get rich even if you have to bet against America.

Jake   November 11th, 2009 6:21 pm ET

oh, I see....the Republicans for the past eight years got us into this mess and Obama has been working for less than a year to try to turn everything around, but hey! lets vote the Republicans back in.

logical.

Observant1   November 11th, 2009 6:18 pm ET

Obama needs to keep his promises to us, which he hasn't done so far.

rachel   November 11th, 2009 6:15 pm ET

Hope that carries through to 2012.

gerry   November 11th, 2009 6:14 pm ET

I bet the poll didn't ask if we the people are sick of both parties.

Party Purity will never bring Political Power!   November 11th, 2009 6:12 pm ET

See, we have term limits, they are called elections.

If that 52% against incumbents holds until 2010 then half of the House will not be re-elected and will be replaced.

Term limits, done democratically.

Jane/Seattle   November 11th, 2009 6:07 pm ET

Maybe these polls are finally reflecting some true sentiment! One BIG problem is that many Republicans have their reasons all Wrong and blame the Wrong sources! Many Democrats support Obama do or die! And then there are folks all over the map! Personally, I am sick of this ENTIRE System for it is flawed beyond repair, especially with the total lack of ethics displayed by many elected officials just chasing the Money! Peace

LacrosseDad   November 11th, 2009 6:01 pm ET

waterloo for the democraps.

Scott, Tucson   November 11th, 2009 6:00 pm ET

Regardless of party, We the people need to toss these career politicians out of office once and for all. Only with this kind of Change maybe than they would listen to the people and not to their own self interests and pocketbooks.

No More Incumbents   November 11th, 2009 6:00 pm ET

This is a surprise? All of our representatives and senators are walking billboards for term limits. The only thing that is important to them is 1) getting reelected and 2) doing what is best for the party. We are no longer a government of the people. It's time for the voter to take back the government. We voted for a change and got more of the same. Get rid of all incumbents, time and time again, until they represent your interests over their own. Forget party. They're both corrupt. It's up to the people to say we won't stand for it anymore. If you vote for these idiots, then you got what you deserve. Our 1 term experiment in chief should retire very rich on the book and speaking fees he will garner while rest of us and our children pick up the tab.

Pragmatic   November 11th, 2009 5:58 pm ET

It's always "throw the bums out!" with the footnote – "but Not My Bum!"

Members of Congress should be changed like diapers: often and for much the same reason! I find the GOP elected representatives who vote like the leadership tells them to ... without their own thoughts or opinions to be the most distasteful.

Republican   November 11th, 2009 5:58 pm ET

I'm not excited to vote, but I will anyways, and I won't be voting for any of my republican candidates. There are NO good republicans in this country that are running for office. The whole lot of them stinks. I'll hold my nose and vote for a democrat before I vote for the good for nothing, whining complaining free loaders in todays republican party.

It's disgusting what the new republicans have turned this party into. It stinks to high heaven with their bull fecis! Need proof? Watch the vitrol comments that will follow from some of the putrid trash that are now calling themselves republicans. DISGUSTING HUMAN TRASH, the WHOLE lot of them!

Dale   November 11th, 2009 5:58 pm ET

In antiquity, the Roman overseers (who were rotated every couple of years) were called "sucking flies" because of their voracious appetite for whatever they may walk away with while serving at their foreign posts... but uniquely enough the locals felt that if they left them at their posts long enough they would become satiated and become rather benign. Let the "sucking flies" alone and swat them with indictments when they are "caught".

Drone Pilot   November 11th, 2009 5:57 pm ET

We want Ron Paul. We trust him.........All the other Dems and Repubs are the same, no change, they just want big government and wars...

Jim   November 11th, 2009 5:54 pm ET

Would love to get rid of my moonbat rep!

Please stopr censoring...thx S Callahan   November 11th, 2009 5:53 pm ET

It's more than the doctrine of politics playing out here...people know this country was built on certain values and they will be dammed if they let that go by the wayside....the sentiment from the average citizen if pretty high...the media really misses to what extent..and certainly the current politicians do too. We were fooled way to long..fooled one, twice but not thrice.

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