CNN

I am surprised that 34% approve of the Republican party after the way they have destroyed our country with their insane, bankrupt philsophy. They have turned the clock back to the 19th century robber baron era, destroyed every federal institution designed to protect the country and the populace. I am dismayed that 34% still approve of this. I guess these are the people who don't want democracy, solvency, national security, prosperity for the middle class, or who believe in the Easter Bunny along with all the other propaganda Republicans have used to highjack and ruin our government.

That high? I guess we still have too many people that are collectively as dumb as a post . If 34% of our citizens favor the Republican Party, our educational system has failed us miserably and it’s no wonder we are so far behind in the world when it comes to education, health care environment etc.

It means you can still fool all of the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time, but the number of people that Republicans can fool all of the time is declining. Why? Because when people are suffering, they start paying more attention.

The political parties have made changes over the past 20-25 years or so.

The Democrats have come to realize that the old "tax and spend" theme would be their downfall. They changed their stance to reflect better fiscal policy of moderate taxes, targeted spending cuts and the attempt to end deficit spending. Democrats moved to the middle.

The Republicans have only changed ideology. In addition to their old mantra of small government, low taxes, strong defense, they chose to appeal to the far right, the moral majority types and the religious conservatives. The mistake here is that you can't legislate morality becuase people don't want their beliefs and freedoms dictated to by government. They are so far off message and also such a threat to people's values that they are now experiencing the consequences of their mistakes. Republicans jumped off the far right wing cliff.

Unless the Republicans move toward more moderate attitudes, they will be, as Sheryl Crow sang: "Standing in the middle of the desert, waiting for [their] ship to come in."

Gee! Could it be because they run the most despicable and the dirtiest campains? That they want to allow large corperations to fill their coffers and return working people to the deplorable conditions of pre-great depression days? That they continue to twist reigious fanaticism into their own corrupt and self serving form of conservatism squelching progressive intelligence? Granted, the democratic party is not much better but it has not shown some of the more dangerous tendencies of the republicans these last decades!

As a lifelong Republican (who backed Obama this cycle), I can only say this is not the party I knew. Increasing stridency, particularly in regards to social conservatism – has marginalized the party. The GOP traditional values were that of keeping the government out of both the bedroom and the boardroom – coupled with a strong DEFENSE policy (not an aggressive, offensive one based on pre-emption).

In the past decade the Republican party has succeeded mostly by pandering to greed, prejudice, religious extremists, and elitism. I hope they change and evolve into a different party. But for now, we are all having 'buyer's remorse' for falling for the oldest political trick in the book in the year 2000. "If you vote for me, I'll send you a check." My God, look how much that has cost us.

The 34 percent are the fanatics who believe that they lost the election because they weren't conservative enough!

jack, when a group of people set themselves up as the "Moral Majority" of which they are neither, and attempt to rule the country by their pointed and narrow minded ideals people soon realize that they are nothing more then a bunch of big mouthed zealots attempting to shove their beliefs down everyone's throat. When they are caught doing those things they are criticizing others for it truly shows they are nothing more then pointed headed hypocrits.

Jack,

It means that after eight years of Bush-bumbling and Republican mismanagement the lipstick has worn off.

Jim
Reno, Nevada

It means that only 34% of Americans have benefitted from the Republicans being in office for the last 8 years. They have their money speaded out in a number of banks, no problems paying their mortages, no problems getting and line of credit. Some of them are benefitting from the 700 billion dollar bailout and some of them are begging for money to bailout their companies so that they can continue to live like a king and as you can see Jack, that is not the majority of us.

The fact that 34% have a favourable view of the GOP is mind bogling!
Where have these people been for the last 8 years? This group is obviously voting for what the GOP used to stand for, and a lot of them are totally irrational. These are people voting on populist sentiment alone, void of any sense or logic. The Republican party will never rise much higher than this until they get some YOUNG, INTELLIGENT people in the party! The GOP and its policies are an anachronism.This 34% is comprised mainly of older, less educated, blue collar, white males, which is certainly not a predominant cross-section of America today.

The republican party is out of touch with the majority of the American people. They boast that they are the party of patriots, like its a club reserved only for them. The GOP denegrates other Americans calling them socialists if they support any government attempt to create social programs such as health care. I've heard and read countless insults from republicans who think only they believe in hard work–which is an insult to the rest of the American people.
The GOP is for Big Corporations but not Big Government. The government is supposed to be for the people, but they spin that idea on its head. Those at the top get all the help, while the majority of Americans get the least. Reaganomics, deregulation and the trickle-down theory has been an utter failure. Unless the GOP changes back to a more centrist view like they were during the Eisenhower era, they will continue to be divided from within and will be polarized by extreme right-wing ideologies.

Jack,
The republicans continue to poster, pander, point fingers and
take ego trips.
They have yet to acknowledge they are responsible for the
diasters of these last eight years and yet to show any interest
in helping to resolve all the problems.
They give no indication of unity in trying to save our country.
They need to, for once, put our survival first.

It's very simple, Jack. We're tired of a bunch of wealthy old men and religious fanatics who know little about everyday people manipulating our lives and telling us what to think and believe.

It means, Jack, that they have dug their own grave and it's now almost deep enough.
I for one tend to associate almost all that is wrong with this country to the GOP.

Jack,

Um...its pretty obvious why. You were around the last eight years like I was right????

That probably means that these are the ones who afraid of change,when you keep getting the same old thing when you do the same thing over, and over.

What it means is the majority of people in the USA (including myself) feel the republican party has lost its way - Also it shows the perception that 2/3's of the population think the Utra-Right-Wing Neo-Cons & "Old-Time" Evangelicals (RE: Palin, Dobson, Etc.) are in control (or trying to take control) of the republican party & Karl Rove tactics - If they don't start coming up with solutions instead of bashing everyone left of Mike Huckabee their numbers will continue to decline in Washington until, well, until someone starts a 3rd party (remember what happened to the Whig Party?) -

Your numbers show the Bulk of the American People (2/3) are sick and tired of republican's dividing the USA –

I don't understand why the republican's are held in such low regard. Due to their legislation and the Presidents encouragement and signing of various bills, the U.S. population can look forward to the same "quality" of air and water that our great-grandparents had, and that's only the start of the list. Republican's are legislating themselves into extinction...this is a good start.

It means that the Republican Party beliefs & disconnection to the 21st Century made the Democrates victorious.
I mean do you hear the way these people talk. You talk about old school......ask them what's new?

In Canada if politicians spout their religious beliefs for try to impose their own personal brand of morality on society they are overwhelmingly rejected by the electorate. We are a nation that truly believes in the separation of church and state.

My guess would be Americans are starting to realize governments should legislate according to the needs of the Country and not try to legislate their version of morality onto a diverse and free public.

I am surprised that it is that high. Look, over the last 8 years the Republican party has made a shambles of true democracy and filled the white house with corruption, tyranny, and disorder. Why anyone trusts them at this point is beyond me. They have a long way to go before they can redeem an almost irreversibly damaged reputation.

Where have those 34% been for the last eight years. It should be down to George and Laura, and maybe not even Laura.
EJM Granville Ohio

Nothing is as constant as change. The demographics of this country are changing (for good or bad) and the political landscape is starting to reflecting this. Let's have some patience and see where the road leads us. But we shouldn't let ouselves dig any more deep holes. I think eight years of anything is too long.

It means that the poll shows they are judging all GOP's with Bush and of course I strongly believe that the media had a lot to do with theri unfavorable reporting of the GOP party and a very positive reporting of the Dems. People tend to believe what they read and hear on the news.

The GOP has got to pull their collective head out of the sand and figure out how they're going to convey their message to a broader, more diverse base. Still spouting the "America is a center-right country" theme isn't working, probably because according to a couple of the most conservative think tanks in the country (Brookings and Hoover), that idea doesn't hold water. When I hear that, what I hear is "the America that COUNTS is center-right." Meaning middle America. America in the center of the country. White America. That America on the coastlines of the country - those strange Americans with darker skin and funny sounding names that live in the big cities on the coast and eat those weird foods - those aren't the REAL Americans. They're not the "pro-America" Americans.

The US Census predicts that, by 2050, whites of Northern European extraction will be a mere one-third of the population. The GOP needs to find a way to reach out to a larger, more diverse demographic, or they will be rendered irrelevant.

~A~

We don't really want a monarchy.

Maybe folks are getting smarter. Is that the correct answer?

It means that the GOP has returned to their status as a minority voice in the electorate. Just think about their cross-section. It's about greed first and foremost, and the balance is filled by whichever fringe perspective serves them best in achieving their lust for personal gain.

I think the 66% percent of Americans surveyed want the polarization to stop. The GOP has fostered Partisan gridlock the past past 2 years of being the minority party and after 6 years of deficit spending as the majority party with Bush 43. I'm surprised the 66% figure isn't higher.

Funny how our self described moral and economic nobility are neither. With one laughable cartoon character after another, they let their greed and cowboy mentality damn near destroy this country. That 34% repersents the worst of the social and economic elites in this nation that are still bent upon shoving their beliefs down everybody elses throats. I didn't agree with or like them when they went under the name of Moral Majority, of which they were neither, and have even less use for them now. But, just wait for a few years when the Democrats mess up, they will be back like a bad habit.

Hi Jack,

We watched a very nasty campaign with most of the hateful messages coming from the Republican candidates. They consider themselves the party of the "religious right", but what I have seen from them wasn't either religious or right.

It means they'd better get serious in evolving their party to meet the diverse needs of a changing country. Selecting Sarah Palin as a "qualified" VP candidate showed they didn't respect the intelligence of the voters and passing off Joe the non-Plumber as some sort of spokeman for Americans was a joke! I kept waiting for him to yell "Live from New York it's Saturday Night!"

Just shoot the elephant already -- nobody really cares . time for the conservatives to move up to Alaska and secede

Nobody likes a liar. The GOP said they stood for one thing, and then did the opposite. Fiscal responsibility being the biggest one.

This is the part that is hard for me to understand. I guess it says that this 34% would just let another Republican just drive usoff of another cliff, and say O.K. I'm also sure that this same 34% will be very critical of our new President regardless how much good he does for our nation. This 34% is very badly outnumbered, and they don't want to join with the majority 64%, then they can just stay in the minority. You know, in this way Democracy works.

Considering that only about 2% benefited from the unbridled special interest selfishness, transfer of wealth from the needy to the greedy, incompetence, and general maliciousness of the past eight years, it is indeed a wonder that 34% still approve of the Republicans.

But then again, isn't that the approximately the same percentage that disbelieves evolution, and believes in the literal truth of a tome that represents our Earth as being flat?

What is the favorable view of democrats, 20 percent?

Come on Jack, it’s simple, the 34% with the favorable view of the Republican Party are the Bush Republicans that still have white collar jobs on Wall Street or will benefit directly form the 700 billion dollar taxpayer funded bail-out while the other 66% with unfavorable views will have to worry about pink slips as our “fundamentally sound economy” goes through global realignment.

Because the GOP, with the exception of Ronald Reagan, tend to choose dumb leaders. Try George W., Sarah Palin, Dan Quale. The people of high intelligence in the GOP are all presently favoring Obama and the Dems. Doesn't this say something of a strugling party?

It will take a long...long... time before this party has more favorable numbers. They should thank George W. for this.

They've destroyed America, isn't that obvious?

It means that their lies just don't work anymore. They proved to be hypocrites, warmongers and greedy. The roost is up and the American people finally opened their eyes!!!!! I would hope for the sake of our country that the 34% will open their eyes too!!!!

Jack
This 34% must be the die hards that voted for Ike or Reagan and are still dreaming of the good old days they represented. The republican party sure has a deep hole to climb out of and it is not going to happen overnight.

Because 34% of the population are still idiots.

Jack, the GOP’s favorability rating is so low because they are hypocritical, self-absorbed, self-righteous, ignorant windbags that neither have the capability nor desire to understand what their policies have wrought upon the United States. They have aggressively rewarded the wealthiest Americans who continue to send jobs to China with tax cuts and incentives. Not to mention the endless war in Iraq, the Patriot Act, so on and so on.

When the whole mess came crashing down, the GOP and President Bush rewarded them with taxpayer money on top of the goodies that have been receiving. The GOP, under Reagan and the Bushes, has sunk us into a chasm of debt my grandchildren will never dig out of, and the best idea that they have is “Drill, Baby, Drill!” I’m surprised their favorability rating as high as it is.

Jack it means , we`re lucky that it`s only 34% of the nuts we have to worry about destroying our country....

From my perspective it signifies there are only 34% of America's population left being uninformed and intellectually challenged.

Of course it could also mean that 34% of the country are Evangelicals wanting to inflict their own brand of morality on the rest of the country.

In any event as the next generation evolves I expect this percentage will drastically drop much lower unless the GOP changes directiion and changes it quickly.

It means that if Bush had not started the war with Iraq, and the economy wasn't in a down cycle, that McCain would now be president.

A lot of moderate republicans voted for Obama because of these issues. Democrats should be wary of this fact.

As a middle of the road independent I believe a moderate GOP will do just fine. Just remember it wasn't long ago that the Democrats were declared irrelevant. History repeats itself. Take that to the bank.

That 34% must be the rich folks!

St. Petersburg, FL

Just look at what has happened to our country in the past eight

years. That answers this question, Jack.

What does it mean that only 34% of Americans have a favorable view of the Republican Party?

Frankly I am surprised that it is that high..

I guess it means that 34% of Americans are happy with the high employment numbers, the wild flux in gas prices, Osama Bin Laden walking free, our Constitution walked all over, our stock market crashing, record forclosures, etc..

Why people vote and favor groups that are against their own best interest is beyond me..

I've never figured that out..

Jenna
Roseville CA

I am surprised its that high! I guess we know who has most of the money in this country.

Jack you should preface that question with Thank God only 34%....I find it disturbing that there's so many who believe anythings good about the GOP.

Read between the lines:

G-E-O-R-G-E-W-B-U-S-H

Jack I don't believe there is 34% who approve of Republican party and the way they are standing around and fiddling while the Big Three auto and all of their suppliers go down the tube which will create a depression that will take years for us to get over. The voter have long memories and will remember how they have stood in the way of the bridge loan to the auto companies. I can tell those who help stop this no matter who it is will get the voter ire.

I'm surprised its as high as it is. The republicans have had three major issues that have taken it down to this level, they are 1. Bush 2. Cheney 3. and the evangelical faction. Bush and Cheney will fade into oblivion (I hope )but the Neo-cons remain. There doesn't seem to be any strong leadership in the party to bring them back to reality. I saw good riddance!

It means that as our jobs dissapear and incomes shrink at an alarming rate, we are waking up to the fact that we have been conned by the republican party for 30 years.

It means that the GOP base that was energized by Sarah Palin is now insufficient to even get anyone elected to dog-catcher.

Seperation of state and church. The Republican party has become the "Christian church" party of gray hairs. The Republican party has pushed that agenda of Christian ethics before what should be their old party matra of fiscal conservatism, smaller government, and responsible government. Until they push to keep church seperate from government they will continue to decline.

That's way too high – the Republican party is not interested in anything EXCEPT helping their very rich friends at the other 99% of America's expense. The party should go into extinction!

because that is what their actions in the last 8 years have wrought...in fact it should be much less and closer to zero

The GOP under W. has tried to demonize intellect in governance.

See how they are projecting sister Sarah Palin? No wonder!!

34% now, it will get worse.

What do you mean WHY?
I wish the favorable rating would have been that low 8 years ago- circumstances now would be mighty different. It amazes me how LONG it takes people to wise up. We can only hope that the collective IQ of the people in the USA continues to climb.

To quote our Vice President Elect Biden "you're kidding right? Is that a real question?"

It always amazes me how decent republicans are at the local level and how corrupt and incompetent they are at the national level. There just aren't many suckers left who want to defend the last 8 years. It scares me to think that 34% of us would rather see America go down in flames than give up their party 's failed views.

Our president elect has to explain that the United States will no longer torture people or hold them captive indefinitely without trial. The last 8 years of a republican president have been a fundamental assault on our core constitutional values.

They are just misunderstood.

Speaking as a Democrat who really misses having all the intelligent, spirited discussions I used to have with my Republican friends in decades past, I'd have to say that the party that brought us the Era of Dubya simply is N-O-T the G-O-P. The long-standing faithful have clung to the fraying skirts of this new party of nonsecular extremism for as long as they could, but now they're probably just tired and disgusted and want the whole fabric of their Grand Old Party back. Good for them. It's time for the Dubya Republicans to relinquish their hold on the GOP. They should form a third party: the God Party. Their motto could be "We are the Party of God. That's why it's OK for us to hate the rest of you."

Talk, talking does'nt cost any money.

That Many!!!! Astonding!!!!!!!!!!!

People have finally figured out that the Republican or GOP is not the party of the Eisenhowers, or Teddy Roosevelts or Lincoln at all. GOP today seems to stand for Greedy Old Party.

For a long list of reasons, starting with the Bush / Cheney administration and the shambles that that admistration has made of foriegn policy, the economy, the average American's quality of life, etc. etc. A 34% favorable view ??? The only reason that they have that high a rateing is because they included professional Republican party members as 50% of the group being poled.

they have damaged our country's standing in the world,many country's now dispise us because of george w. bush's actions.look what they have done to our economy,the lowest it's been in many years,isn't 34% too high in peoples opinion of the republican party?

I tremble with fear to think that 34% of us still think George Bush was just fine and dandy. It is past time to examine how we got into our current mess and assign the appropriate blame. We can't really recover until we know what has happened, why, and who-done-it.

(ok, I will try again)

Jack, my question is, after the last 8 years, WHO are the 34%? must be a lot of "Joe the (unlicensed) Plumbers" out there.

The answer is best expressed from the "tabloid" (popular) press in my native England:

In 2004 the headline after the election ran:
"How can 59 million Americans be so stupid?"

In 2008 it was:
"Obama wins! The world rejoices!"

Republicans should thank their lucky stars they do not have to answer to the European electorate where their popularity is about 5% !

Because only about 34% of the U.S. population consists of older rural white males.

My guess would be that 34% of the American people are made up of :
a) Those who don't pay attention
b) The intellectually challenged
c) The corrupt

It means that more and more people are beginning to recognize that members of the religous right who have co-opted the Republican Party are trying to make it into the Constitution Party that is so obviuosly a failure. In an effort to grab huge numbers overnite they have destroyed what once offered the necessary balance to the Democrats. The Republican Party can not return to it's former position of respect until it sheds itself of these parasites who have confused religion with conservatism.

because it was the Republicans who got us into this mess.

Being from a conservative state, I see that many people take for granted that the GOP is the "good intentioned" party, the party of values. It's an unquestioned assumption. That's why such a large constituency will always support the GOP.

At this point in time the American people's low approval rating towards the GOP means that they are disatisfied with how the party is functioning. Over the past few years it has been the leader of this party, our current President who has taken this country in the wrong direction. Also as of this year during the election season, the GOP has looked more and more like the party that is not willing to embrace change.

Simple Jack! They are not real christian like they claim ("they forgot judge not" from the very bible they read). They are not truly conservative like they claim (they have indebted us greatly). If you don't agree with them you are anti-American. No wonder!

Because the GOP has no sympathy or understanding for the average person.

Let's see 34%...I'm surpised it isn't lower. The reasons are Bush/Cheney crew and their ineptness, meddling in the private affairs of the citizens (i.e. gay marriage, abortion, spying via the Patriot Act), the evangelical take over of the party.

As a woman of color the main thing was the lack of diversity within the party. The rallies were a contrast of what the Obama/Biden rallies were like. That plus them screeching that they are the party of Lincoln and invoking church at people of color at every turn is not getting my bills paid. President-Elect Obama was right. They just don't get it.

The GOP is sinking like the"TITANIC". Gone are those glamorous years they enjoyed while the ship was sailing and now every one is bailing to safer grounds. It took many years for pieces of the Titanic to be retrieved and it will take years to put the GOP back into operation. They have to find a MESSAGE for all races and not The RICH WHITE only.

I too, am displeased with the Republicans. Not to be left out, the Democrats are equally worthless. It took a couple of generations of ignorance, selfishness and mistakes to get where we are today, not just 8 years. There are no wise men in Washington. They are merely corporate puppets.

Lets see, near 5000 dead American soldiers in the middle east, The middle class is on life support and the coming demise of the UAW may pull the plug on the rest, our civil rights and the constitution have become an "inconvenience", and their biggest priority is extending those tax cuts on capital gains for the wealthy as the rest of us face a financial depression. It means we citizens aren't buying into their greed is good and God agrees with us crap anymore. We've had it with their arrogance and hypocricy and it would serve them right to spend a good long time "out in the wilderness" reflecting on what they've done to this country and it's people.

You cannot become an exclusionist party and expect high approval ratings. It is crystal clear that if you do not look like them and/or embrace all of their right-wing views – you are the enemy and hence anti-American.

Because that percentage is higher than congress as a whole.

Jack,

Did you see the Republican convention. All I saw was older folks and we won't even go there about the lack of diversity. There's your 34 %. The rest of us can't afford to remain separated and out of touch. You just can't survive in today's United States like that.

Jack,

Did you see the Republican convention. All I saw was older folks and we won’t even go there about the lack of diversity. There’s your 34 %. The rest of us can’t afford to remain separated and out of touch. You just can’t survive in today’s United States like that

Mertis in Atlanta

Thanks to Republican's trickle-down , and pre-emptive policies: we are ten trillion in debt, experiencing the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression, in a Iraq war of choice, stretching the military thin in weapons, and troops, resulting in weakness and vunlerability. Jack , it's beyond reason that 34% of Republicans have a favorable view of their party...are you sure it wasn't 3.4%?

Jerry Tulsa/OK

I think the dislike of the GOP comes from their disdain for the "reality based community". Er...folks...that's the rest of us.

Stan
Champaign, IL

34% ? Wasn't that also around the percentage of Sarah Palin's approval rating? 'Nuff said.

Jack, are you sure it's 34% and not 14%. It all boils down to one letter in the alphabet, "W".

It means that the GOP is out of date, out of touch and out of time! While the rest of the world is trying to move forward, the republicans are wallowing cold war philosophies and old ideas. When the best the party has to offer is a 72 year old man whose best quality is anger, the majority of the people, who are looking for progress, turn their backs on the republicans and move forward

Coming from a long time Republican family and being a Democrat myself I can tell you that they have had their heads in the sand for a very long time. The public doesn't buy the social agenda that has dominated their platform and their wonton disregard for the problems our country faces at this time. They need to face the facts and they aren't doing it. Until they can they will remain the party of the past.

BUSH

The demise of the republican party was caused by a perfect storm of events which included, eight years of the inept Bush with his out of control spending, the out of touch Karl Rove slash and burn politics which Americans have grown tired of, and finally the hijacking of the party by the Christian right. When you have the granddaughter of a Republican president, Susan Eisenhower, publically leaving the party, you know the party has lost its bearnings and reputation. The republican party is shadow of its former self. It better do some in depth "soul searching" or it will only continue to be irrelevant.

The demise of the republican party was caused by a perfect storm of events which included, eight years of the inept Bush with his out of control spending, the out of touch Karl Rove slash and burn politics which Americans have grown tired of, and finally the hijacking of the party by the Christian right. When you have the granddaughter of a Republican president, Susan Eisenhower, publically leaving the party, you know the party has lost its bearnings and reputation. The republican party is shadow of its former self. It better do some in depth "soul searching" or it will only continue to be irrelevant.

Where should I start?? 34% seems a little high, but here goes: Corruption, a president who is a joke around the world, divisive politics, no accountability, corruption, stupidity, and did I mention corruption? Good riddance to all of them, let the indictments begin.

Jack, it is probably because the current administration has veered so far away from the typical values of the small-c conservative Republicans that the party is losing its appeal to many who appreciated these norms. The neo-con agenda needs to be abandoned.

Should be a 0% of the GOP cause they are 99% responsible of the mess we Americans are in. Greedy Old Party should never get elected again until they come back like the old GOP that it once was.

They lost their way by letting the far right wing of the Party controll the agenda. When you only have 12% of the people saying there way is the only way you loose. When you have Evangelical Christians controlling a political party you loose. When the Independent people join in the conversation then you have the largest group of people in the political arena and they have told us that the Republican Party is gone to far to the right. The Republican Party had no plan and no answer to the problems facing America.

Should be more like 14% because of the 8 years this country has endured under the Bush/Cheney Administration. The Republicans disgust me after their blocking of the Extension of Unemployment benefits back in July and it was changed from 26 wks to 13 wks AND now here we are again about to have Bush sign another Extension for 13 wks when they could have just agreed to the 26 wks back in July. No the GOP doesn't deserve to get 34% for they have done nothing to help middle-class Americans, just the corporations/banks/lobbyists for the pharmaceutical industries. 34% thats a gift they don't deserve to have!!!!.

Jack;
The truth is that not all Republicans are like George W. Bush. We have many great Republican Senetors, Congress Men/women, State Representatives, Governors, and Mayors. But not even the help of those great Republicans was going to make the Majority of Americans elect another Bush. If the Republican Party would have also promised changed, then the percentage might have been bigger for Republicans.

It means the Bush administration did a good job at killing the party. I think the GOP are viewed as hypocrits. They clain they are the "moral" party but look at all the scandals and corruption. They cut their own throats!

Isn't that about all the Republicans left in the country? Probably about 45% Dems and the rest of us independents. Republicans need to thank God McCain didn't win. He is so old he would probably croak. Palin is so wierd she is about one wink away from the nuthouse. That would put Nancy Pelosi in the White House, right? This is called scared straight to Obama for Republicans.

Jack – You are kidding, right? Did you see the video where no world leaders would shake President Bush's hand? It turns out being a bully, ignoring the constitution, torturing people, calling everyone who isn't with you unpatriotic, a communist or a terrorist, and using the last few days of your administration to open up wilderness and wildlife to a free-for-all and implement every other unsavory executive order you can think of, doesn't make you popular.

Would would have thought it?

Kate
Fairfax, Virginia

I too, am surprised that 34% of Americans have a favorable view of the GOP! Should be much lower than that. I believe that the hate,lies, fear and division the Republican attack-machine employ has been and will continue to be their demise!

It means 66% of the country is sick and tired of the divisiveness, smears, lies, fear, and hate spread by the GOP. It no longer stands for anything and is against everything most of us in the center support. If the GOP wants to regain respect from the majority, it needs to clean house by dumping its current state party leaders and it needs to separate religious dogma and fundamentalism from its party's platform and return to the fundamentals of conservatism and efficient governance.

the People are fickle. Next year they will be all for the Republican party. Ideally, this is why the fore fathers created the Electoral College.

As to what caused it? Well that seems pretty obvious. Media combined with poor judgment by the ENTIRE government (let's not forget that Bush couldn't have done it alone) while a Republican president reigned.

The Republican spin machine finally spun out of control. The GOP, or Guardians Of Privilege, have had their agenda revealed as it came to fruition. The incredible littany of lies, from trickle-down to WMD, are being seen now for the cynical schemes that they really were. People liked Reagan for some reason, but the names that come to mind now when you say "Republican" are Bush, Cheney, Rove , Rumsfeld, Palin, Delay, and now Ted Stevens. Not a very inspiring list. Oh, and destroying the world economy hasn't helped either.

Jack, where is this 34%. It seems that there are always around 34% that approve of the GOP and the performance of Mr. Bush as president, even in the worst of situations.

How anyone could have a positive view of either party right now is mind-boggling. When was the last time either party showed any hint that they care what the American people think? When was the last time either party did what was right instead of what was politically advantageous? When was the last time either party offered a solution instead of blame? There may be good individuals in the government, but they're the anomalies, not representative of either party.

It means those are the folks that thought Sarah Palin and her far right views were great. These are the folks that think it is alright to sling mud, lies and trash instead of a positive message based on what your party will do. The GOP ran never-ending negative ads and robo calls–spears that had nothing to do with the issues. To them it is all about 'their values'. But we are all different and they don't get that yet. Well my values are defined by not lying and going to war for oil, but to help all Americans not just the rich.

Not a one of them telling Palin to give up and go home.

Jack,
President Bush. Enough Said. The American people are sick and tired of the trickery, false promises and rhetoric the GOP have lead us Americans to beleive. The time has finally come for a new change and unless the GOPs can do a major face lift on the ones that respresent the party, then they will remain less favorable.

Daniel,
Atlanta, GA

It means that only 34% of the people agree with the narrow minds that rule the party.

Jack,
I'm 62, for better than 35 years I was a strong republican supporter even before I was able to vote. During George H. adminstration, I was turned off when he didn't have any ideal what the common family was paying for grocerys, remmeber. Times were tough for the little guy. Then came the Clinton years, peace and a better quality of life for the little guy. Wow, we then went to Hell with the George W and Chenny the two most horrible Preseident and Vice President in our history. Togeither they lied, had no respect for the constution and laws and would do anything to better the rich. The republican party has become a radical party of the conservative and self rightenouseness. I'm now a strong independent and would only vote for a middle of the road republican. I've had enough of their corruption.

Jack,

It means that 66% think they suck!

It’s simple, Jack.

Democrats are the party that believes the government will make your life better. The Republicans are the party that says “Government doesn’t work” — then they get elected and prove it. The polls are a reflection that the Republicans are proving themselves right, once again.

At least now instead of talking about Joe the plumber, we can get on to talking about Joe the Vice-President.

I have never been with the GOP there total lack care for the most of american people is unreal to me .What would lead them to think they have the smallest sence of what is good for the woeking class .If it takes a 100 years to get back in control would be to soon. chuck paree anderson in.

34% is a good solid number of true believer idiots. Then they know they only have to lie to 16.1% of the center illiteracy to get elected.
Thank God the electorates of 1932 & 2008 were not fooled.
Jon in Cal.

I didn't know there were still 34% of the people that haven't realized that the mess this country is enjoying today is from the failed policies of the Republican Party. The trickle down theory associated with the Republican Party does not work, never will work because of the nature of people. Greed gets in the way of letting anything associated with the word generous from trickling down. Minimum wage for full-time work will not provide for a family. Look at all the greed in corporations. CEO's are so greedy that they don't mind draining off all profits in bonuses and letting the company fail. What do they care about the workers who have devoted 10 years and more? If it goes down, they have theirs – you get yours the best way you can even if it is in an unemployment line.

That History is among us. With the size of the US population at 300+ million, Conservative governmental policies have miserably failed in serving US citizens as a whole. The Republican Party has demonstrated severe inadequacy and has cultivated itself into a dying idea, turning down the path of becoming obsolete. Political party's dying out because of failed policies is nothing new, much like when the Whig Party died out because they couldn't sufficiently address the issue of slavery. The new big issue is the economy and man, have they dug themselves a deep grave.

The Grand Old Party is still stuck in the stone age. Somehow they haven't yet realized that they MUST strive to become a party of inclusion and also one that recognizes that the USA has changed and is moving on without them. They have completely lost touch with 18 – 45 yr olds who are a more accepting and educated force.

Could that 34% be comprised of the 'religilous', older, under educated and also VERY WEALTHY folks?

34% of adults can look back at the last 8 years, and still think that fools in charge of everything still deserve a smiley face on their report cards. Jack, it means that a lot more of the voters took the 'little' bus to school than I thought.

You have to ask this question after Sarah Palin appeared to revel in the hate rallies she held during the campaign? And did you get a load of the folks that attended those rallies? I guess ignorance is bliss – in the worst way possible, that is.

Jack, the Bush Administration brought on this catastrophe. The 34% who feel that the Republican Party have a favorable view are in all probability very wealthy. The other 66% are a mix of both Republican & Democrates who voted for President Barack Obama, looking for a change. This economy over the past 8 years was geared for the rich, who made an exorbitance amount of money, while the rest of the American population grappled to make ends meet. We don't have to be rocket scientists to see who is controling the wealth in this country.

I think only 34% have a favorable view, and that's probably a high figure, because the radical right has taken over the party. Too many of the GOP are listening to Dobson, Hagee, Bachmann, Palin and all of those. The GOP is not there to help us, we are there to listen to them, they treat us as children to be told what to believe. McCain actually said on a youtube video " 73% of the American people don't believe we should be in Iraq, but I am going to do what I think is right." With the GOP, its not "majority rules", its "I rule and you should listen to me."

Being conservitive is a great idea if done properly, but it turns out ,that it is a great title for greedy people to hide behind. Christianity, also sounds great, but it is a good place for bad people to hide. I wonder, is that why they go so well together.

Would this have anything to do with lying to us to start a War, sacrificing 4,000 young men and women for their ego's or attacking the rights of our citizens? I couldn't think less of the Republicans.

We should keep Guantanimo open and fill it with politicians.

BUSH and CHENEY

George Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, John Bolton, Richard Armitage, Paul Wolfowitz, Karl Rove, Scooter Libby, Michael Brown, Michael Chertoff, Alberto Gonzalez, Henry Paulson, Mark Foley, Ted Stevens, and.....

.... Sarah Palin.

It means that 34% of Americans are Republicans. Duh.

People are getting tired of the GOP holding up shiny objects such as Gay marriage, deporting 12 million immigrants, abortion, and who's God is right and who's God is wrong in one hand, and in the other hand holding up the same tired ideas that got Gingrich and his bunch ran out of town. Oh, and wish Gingrich well on his latest comeback.

Kenneth Chadbourn N.C.

I always heard that 25% of all americans were chronically stupid, but it appears that number was on the low side.

The term "conservative" no longer means fiscally responsible. To me it's synonymous with "control freak". Those of us being controlled by these freaks are tired of it. Sounds like a pretty sound majority of voters agree these days.

Hi Jack,

it means 34% liked the campaign and the convention nasty speeches! It means 34% recognizes themselves in the last eight years to seek another four years of the same!...34%! It is too high for a population that should have given quite a lesson to a party that has brought the country to this mess. The republican party is lucky to even get 34%! If they considered this as a poor number then they may actually learn something about the word change for the 21st century at home and abroad!

I was born and raised a Republican. But my higher thinking kicked in sometime in the 1990's and I switched to the Democratic Party once I realized the elephants were morphing into mastodons.

it means there are still a third of americans out there who haven't got a clue.

Jack:

I think it comes down to the fact that we are weary of being told that we need to be afraid and the bad guy is out there somewhere trying to get us. We want to confront our problems rather than run away from them and the Republican Party has no answers, no hope, and no vision. How can we follow "leadership" like that?!

Jack:

You can only make a bulldog look so pretty with that lipstick!

You know you are having issues on the campaign trail when you start talking about a plumber that doesn't even have a license.

Some mistakes have been made and one political party always has to be the scapegoat in times like these.

They have no platform and their agenda of not cutting taxes, cutting spending, opposing Roe vs. Wade, and supporting faith based initiatives has no relevance on a national level; plus the fact that they don't practice what they preach. It appears as if the only thing they support is the destruction of government, which they have executed quite well.
Tom
lv

I guess 34% of america still has morals, values, and is happy with the fact that we have not been attacked again, I know I am. I hope all you liberals get what you want and my kids and I don't have to suffer from it.

Are you sure about the 34 per cent? I didn't realize our illiteracy rate was that high.

The rich get richer, no consideration for the planet, big brother is watching YOU without warrants, no regard for the middle (and lower) class, eight years of some cowboy who had no business running for President in the first place.

It means that with changing political views throughout the world, conservative philosophies do not address the philosophies held by over 50% of the population. We are too diverse in all demographics for a conservative party like the Republicans to encompass a large segment of our society. The world and our country is changing and the Republican Party is not changing with it.

Well, Bush is the leader of the Republican party and he lead the country to ruin with the full compliance of the party, so what would you expect?
34% seems a bit high to me but considering that Bush still manages to have an approval rate in the upper twenties I suppose it is possible. Mostly shows that a lot of people will tolerate a fool (or a party) as long as it is THEIR fool.

Jack After the american people have spoken in mass and loudly, I think that politics as we have known it for too many long years is about to change and change we needed. I do believe the american people will start to build a political stronghold that will keep the likes of the Bush's, Cheny's and the republicans out of office for a very long time if not for good. The house cleaning is over the air smells cleaner and the world looks brighter, lets hope it stays that way. By the way you look great, your one of my favorites, sorry Wolfe

Jack: It means that the party has reached it "political toxicity" threshold.

There's still that many people that are happy with the GOP? They must be insane.

For the same reason that I left the Republican party ... They are more about exclusion than inclusion. Most of the strong Republicans that I know are moral conservatives and because you differ with their ideology, they attempt to make you feel like you are wrong and they are superior to you in every respect. They are so afraid that the government is going to give a handout to someone and they "work hard for everything they have and everybody should do the same" What a sorry bunch of moral majority Christians????? Amen!

I would guess they would have an even lower approval rating than that. In the last 8 years, America has lost its credibility with other nations, many young Americans have lost their lives in an unnecessary war, the economy has faltered, and nothing has been done on health care or global warming. On top of this, the President and Vice President have engaged in using torture against detainees and other offenses including a great deal of telling lies to the American people.

The people spoke on Election Day and we should all be thankful the Democrats are taking over in January. Go Barack OBAMA!

Because the idiots in the republican party are the ones who are responsible for the incredible mess we're in right now. They have noone to blame but themselves. If they had showed any backbone by standing up against Bush and not let him have carte blanche with the econony, maybe the country wouldn't hate them so much! Bad economy = greedy arrogant republicans!

It means the American people are standing up for themselves, and are getting warm again, after a long cold winter! The Nation is in terrible peril,and , even a small thread of hope to cling to with a new President, is so much better than NONE !

I take little comfort from that number.
Obama was losing in September.
About 50 million people in America voted for 2 candidates who couldnt qualify for admission to a good college.
If the economy had taken a dive a few weeks later, the two mavericks would have been elected.
Eternal vigilance......

They need to move away from having religion mixed in with their politics so much. I believe in the separation of church and state, and I don't like the way the conservative movement has taken over the Republican party. Add Sarah Palin to that mix, and the Republicans can forget my vote for a long long time.

It means the Republican party has lost touch with its electorate. At one point they stood for low taxes and small government. The current administration is not only the worst one we have ever seen, but one that is bull-headed, stubborn, started not just one but two wars, spends money it doesn't have wildly, enlarged government and deregulated us into a nightmarish economic crisis. Seems to that most people are coming to there senses about the Republican Party. It does make you wonder about the 34% though....

The parties have no direction and that the majority of the people have never read the Consitution themselves to know what they want or should do.

Sure you all have grade five public school interpretations that were distributed by a teacher who has also never read the Constitution even to teach it.

It could be because the GOP wants to rule us. We've had a rough eight years. Then when mccain won in the primarys, who did he pick, a hockey mom with lipstick. That was as bad a pick as he could have done.

34% thats a little high id say, but no doubt just the die hard people who still think our economy is doing good and that Pres. Bush is the greatest pres we have ever had.

Jack,

If this poll had been taken worldwide, I'm sure it would be much lower than 34% favorability towards the GOP. It was deregulation coupled with a complete lack of oversight and accountability that allowed greed to place the housing and financial markets into such fragility that the world, as a whole, has entered into a recession. Its going to take years, I repeat, years to repair this mess!

Jack, the question is why do the 34% hold favorable views of republicans? the stock market and my retirement is continuing to tank, my children will be out of jobs soon, the country is in deep debt so why exactly are these 34% supporting the republicans?

It means the nation has a 61% chance too turn it's self around

They can't govern.
They are mean spirited.
They are not honest.
They want to turn the US into a Talban state governed on religious law.
Thats' my top four.

Easy, BUSH

There's an old saying: "actions speak louder than words". Nowhere does that old saying apply more than to the actions of the Republican Party in this past election. McCain, Palin, Dole... shame on them for the way they campaigned. I used to see the Republican Party as dignified and honorable... not any more. They need to clean up their act and figure out what they really stand for.

Because they only care about their own power and not the good of the American people. Country first is an empty motto when all you do is cloture every vote that comes before you and vote down party lines trying to make the other side look bad. The GOP seems to believe that we are ALL stupid – and because their division and slander worked in the past, they think it will work forever. They need to do some serious soul-searching – if they have any left.

Jack;
It means that two stolen elections are not in the best interest of this country. A portion of the 34% are the Evangelicals that have endorsed Bush since 2000, looking forward to "The Rapture". The remaining
, although by diminishing numbers, are the military families; it appears that they are starting to "get it."
RI

Because they do not recognize Ron Paul and his supporters. Liberty speaks louder than national socialism.

Hello Jack. Great question there are so many reasons why republicans have such a dissmal approval rating . 1st and foremost they helped the country get bushwhacked by this horrendous administration. Also they are responsible for supporting a president and his policies that robbed the average joe american of jobs health benefits and education,etc.etc. and filled the pockets of the wealthiest americans. If you ask me they all represent the good ole boy Confederacy .

Simply put, they lost in the election and few people like a loser.

Carl in Kansas

Maybe the GOP should stop thinking that it is only IMAGE that is important. How about SUBSTANCE. Look at the state of the Union & at the dispicable campaign that was run. There was never a policy to move the entire country forward, only a small percentage of it. Reckless, irresponsible management / governing does not deserve the support of the American people. It is time to step back, regroup, & listen to the younger members and stop the business as usual conduct.

The GOP is a divisive party based on shouting down and criticizing others opinions. They do not have a unifying message other than what they are against – against gays, against abortion, against.... People are tired of hearing the divisiveness. The party that at one time stood for the individual is busy telling individuals what to do. No compromise allowed. That is not a healthy way to attract more people to the party.

It says that the majority of Americans have come to realize that the present Republican party represents uncontrolled spending, tax breaks for the rich and the corporations and extremist views. The ones that relish calling the Democrats "the tax and spend" party, seems to have disproven that when they inherited a surplus, which they immediately squandered. All Americans watched that occur.

Just one reason, the GOP is the "Good Ole Party". Their problem is the middle initial (OLE). They have gotten really old and look like they might go the way of the dodo unless they go back to their formerly honorable position (you know, less government, less taxes, more freedom...). Is that so hard to do?

The GOP has lost its way. The first step on the road out of the wilderness is for conservatives to be as civil and gracious in defeat as Barack Obama was in victory. A return to conservative values would be nice.

The GOP had better work with the new President to help the country out of this mess or the consequences will be dire.

America First ideology second!

It appears the citizens of the U.S.of A. are getting more educated in the election process and have learned the democrats are the more uplifting , knowledgable, educated and savy people and not scaring the life out of everyone.

It's simple, Republicans only care about people who are exactly like them, while Democrats are far more interested in diversity.

Who wants to be part of a group who excludes everyone who is just like you?

What would you expect the popular opinion to be of a party that has controlled either the Presidency or Congress for the last 14 years when such a big mess has been left behind? Frankly, I'm shocked the public approval rating is 34%. President Bush sure wishes he had that "high" of a rating.

Chris from NC

It means that 8 years of living under GOP rule has shown everyone what those slogans really mean. Only residents of Wingnuttia want to go back there. Hopefully the party goes the way of the Whigs. The country would be far better off if that happened.

The interesting fact to me is how many Democrats voted Republican after Clinton. How many will return to the Republican Party after Obama. I think we are a fickle people.

It is that high because Hank Paulson voted for 30% of that survey. Where did George Bush find him. Maybe George Bush should outsource his job to India. We are told that people in India are so much better educated.

Jack,
Republicans don't like Democrat policies. The current GOP has been implementing Democrat-like policies for the last 8 years under Bush. It isn't hard to see why Republicans don't like them. Democrats, of couse, won't like Republicans even if they promote Democrat policies because, after all, they can get the pure thing so why settle for a watered down version with tax cuts and pro-life arguments.

Pliny,
St. Louis

Jack,

One word....uninformed. The 34% you mention are the only ones who see the whole story. The democrats have more to do with the economic mess than the republicans. It's funny....Obama got elected by promising change....what's gonna change? The democrats are still in control.

Hi Jack: The Republican party has masterfully followed their own agenda – not that of the American people. They are stuck in the past. They have pandered to the ultra-right wing, which is probably the 34% that they still have. The world has flown forward while the GOP is stuck in the past. This is a new world and if Nov 4 is any indication, the train has left the station.

As someone who used to be Republican until the advent of GW Bush in 2000...it means that the other 66% of us have repented and developed a conscience.

Roland
St. George, UT

Jack, simply put, the Republicans have increased the government's debt over 8 Trillion Dollars in 8 yrs. Clinton had the debt down around 3 Trillion dollars when he left office. The Republicans say they are fiscally conservative, but their actions speak just the opposite. It took a while but people finally woke up to the fact that we need a major change in direction. Let's back President -Elect Obama and move forward into the 21st century as the world leader in government and innovation. That's the America the world is used to seeing.

It means that people are starting to realize that it was not just G. W. Bush that brought this country down but the GOP philosophy and G.W. Bush. Enough of the politics of the past. Make way for the younger, smarter and more inclusive Democrats of the future.

Good question Jack, and the answer is the GOP is the party stuck in the past with ideas that are 50 years old. Those ideas don't work anymore and unfortunately they didn't get the memo about why it is time for a drastic change in America.

It means that the other 66% of us have a conscience.

Roland
St. George, UT
(Formerly Republican until GW Bush in 2000)

Let's see...could it be starting a war in Iraq when Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11, the over 4,00 soldiers killed, that the economy is in the toilet while we are spending $10 billion a month in a war we never should have started. Could it be the outing of a convert CIA spy by Cheney and Rove? Maybe it was when Bush went to a birthday party when New Orleans was being destroyed by rising water and snakes? Is it the loss of most of our allies? Our surplus under Clinton?The firing of US Attorneys without merit? That Bin Laden is hanging out somewhere? The horrible job market? I could go on...but it's frankly too damn depressing naming all the enormous debacles that have happened under this administration. It's heartbreaking. What your real question SHOULD BE, Jack, is who are the numbskulls in this 34% of Americans who think that evrything is just dandy for the past 8 years led by this executive Republican administration, one who is proving to be the worst in history!

It means that 34% of Americans still have their heads in the sand after 8 very long, sad years.

because 61% want to be slaves of the government and are to lazy to work for them selves also they have low view of them selves

perry jones
council bluffs iowa

My buddy Jack Cafferty: It is simple. When you have Barack Hussein Obama promising welfare for 45% of taxpayers who don't pay any tax.. That is why Democrat representatives and senators are getting re elected when their approval rating is 8% The welfare recipients are always in for a free ride. It was a good campaign tactic and got him elected.

First, due to the last 8 years we lost confidence in the party.

Second, the inane picking of Palin as the VP candidate lost credibility for the party for most Americans.

Third, the 'we are right and everyone else is wrong' exclusionist attitude related to the party has driven most everyone else away.

It means that it is time to bring in someone new, new faces of intelligent people who are interested in politics. Honest people they are out there, start looking. They have to do this or they will be extinct. If necessary have these people contact the R.N.C. that are interested you better get started now, I'M not from either party but I do know this for sure Mrs. Palin is the future of her family and not the Republican Party. She is simply not ready for the job.

Jack, it means the people are blaming the GOP for all our woes, economic or otherwise. Not only does Bush have a low approval rating and the number of Republican politicians in Congress have decreased, the incumbent party is usually blamed for the problems of our nation.

It means that Bush & Cheney have damaged the GOP brand.

Two words, Jack..."George Bush". The views of people are more of a referendum on the Bush Administration.

Kina.

The republicans like to say that democrats are tax and spend and expanding government while they are small government and fiscal responsibility. The last eight years have proved different and if the people that repeat that mantra were to do a little research, they would find that just the opposite is true. Some people are finally starting to wake up. Let's just hope they stay awake for a long while.

The American people are sick to death of George Bush/Dick Cheney and it is bound to show in the polls. It may take a while before we are able to see anything good about the GOP.

It means that the Republicans have been arrogant, disconnected and corrupt and people are not as stupid as they expected.

Does GOP stand for Greed Or Power?

I think they have showed their true colors this year. What they say and do are two different things. They're for less government...but we now have a huge government. They say they are fiscally conservative but they are only that way when the money would be used to help the middle class. Their only intrests seem to be with the rich and big business and offers nothing for the rest of America. Plus they were ready to lie, cheat ,and do whatever to win an election. They didn't care if divided the country more with their election tactics. They are a worthless political party that has just about ruined this nation.

Jack, It means there is hope.

There is no republican party only the Christian Coalition.

All real republicans are now libertarian.

It means that 66% of the country has gotten their heads out of the sand.

Duh!!! People are finally seeing the light ...

It means Bush destroyed it. He gave the GOP a bad name.

I don't think you need any comment on this one Jack. The last eight years have spoken for themselves.

Maybe it's time to kill the party that has been killing us for the past eight years.

it means that america took a look at who the republican party is and who they represent at this time and said, "hey that's not me there, they cannot possibly know what i am about and what i am going through!"

also the republican party got into big time trouble with their swing to greater social (vs fiscal) conservatism ; when we talk about social conservatism (and evangelical christianity more specifically) we start talking about people's morals and ethics, and we start spewing the "i am better than you, i am purer than you, i am going to heaven and you ain't" nonsense. deciding how to spend my taxes and your has little to do with my morals and yours and which god do i believe in or not and who gets married or not...

It means 66% of Americans rock! Not bad.

Americans don't have a positive view of the Republican Party because Dick Cheyney wasn't a very good president.

Anna
Nanticoke, PA

this simply means that 34% of the people are in serious denial!

It means Obama won. Enough said.

It means we need more parties. Period. Dot.

34%? I'm amazed it's even that high!!

What it means is that 34% of Americans are still living with their heads in the sand if they think favorably of the Republican Party!

Jack Rhoades
Elkhart, Indiana

Why? Well, that's easy. George Bush and the neo-cons have been in office for eight years!

Denver, Colorado

It simply means that the American public has finally wised up.
The Rs have been the party of no and the other guy is bad for so long that no one really knows what they actually do stand for anymore.
Their platforms have been devisive and nasty and people just won't stand for it anymore.

Just 34% eh? Sounds like they've lost a few of the religious right. They used to garner 38%.

Jack; Homeland Security needs to check out the 34% that are out of touch with the economic security of our country. Yes our terror watch should be focused on the 34% GOP who are blind and unconscious to what has happened in the last seven plus years. The 34% are allies for "artificial democracy" at expense of our soldiers and tax dollars.

34%?

I'm amazed it's that high!!

I can't remember where this quote comes from but it certainly fits the current malaise of the Republican Party and the rape of America by the eight years of Bush & Cheney: "Absolute power corrupts absolutely."

It means that America has evolved but the Republican party hasn't.

Hey Jack,
It means that 34% of the public still believes that intolerance, racism, bigotry, ignorance, fear and hate constitute true Republican family values!

What's it mean that 34% have a favorable view of the Republican party? It means that 34% of the people have been hiding in a closet these last eight years!

History shows that, in the long term, the liberals always win. Before the GOP can even think of getting out of the wilderness- and that's ehere they are- they're going to have to make some difficult choices as to which of their more conservative positions will have to be surrendered outright. They're going to have to keep doing this until they become aceeptable to the mainstream. No party ever gained power by kicking out the moderates.

The party needs to go back to it's traditional conservative values (limited government, humble foreign policy, and balanced spending). The same values Congressman Ron Paul represents.

It means 34% of Americans are not being foreclosed, don't have money in the stock market, and have their heads in the sand. On the other hand, how many dead people did they poll to get that high a percentage?

It means 34% of Americans still have no clue what's going on in our country.

People are realizing the GOP is for the rich and elite Americans, and are seeing through the hawkish view of the G Old Party. Old Party. Perfect.

Just look at them. They have nothing to offer the American people so their campaigns are based on personal attacks on opponents. These attacks are downright mean, pathetic, and twisted, but that's all they have offered us, and as I watch them trying to regroup, it appears they still do not get it. Americans are mad and want things fixed. Our country is in a mess and we voted for hope that a change, not obstructionism, can pull us out. Right now, as our villages burn, We see Southern Republican Senators that refuse to come together with the rest of the country for the good of millions of American workers. Instead, they they have been spreading hatred towards these American workers. These workers and their companies, unlike the foreign Automakers that have been given huge advantages through tax subsidies to locate in these southern states, for many years only got a few cents back on their Washington tax dollars as these Southern states got back more than they paid in to help build their much needed infrastructure. Guess where the money came from Senator Shelby. I also see that you did not put on a uniform and serve your country when they needed you then either.

The American People are no longer fooled by the Republican Trickle Down Line.

Change, Jack!

They have a low opinion because they just can't get it through their heads that we donot want religion in our politics!

Maybe it has something to do with the atmosphere of division they have created ......talking down, labeling, and displaying hate and revenge against everyone who does not and has not bought their brand of government.

I could go into detailed lists..from fear mongering to the adapting of a blind evangelical mind set......but I have a flight to catch tomorrow morning.

Let's see ..... that's the "base" plus maybe ten percent to include the folks who would vote for anyone who didn't look like Obama.....sounds like the modern, action Republican Party to me.

The low approval rating means that the so called "Grand Ol Party" is exactly that, old. The Republican party is full of outdated ideas that don't appeal to anyone under the age of 50 and must modernize in order to have any chance of ever getting into the Whitehouse again. Maybe they should start with a candidate who knows how to use his own email.

It's quite clear what it means. Over the last seven years, the Republican party has preached small government and practiced big, intrusive, secretive and wasteful government, and has blamed all its failures on Democrat treachery and obstruction.

On those terms, any party will lose friends and alienate people.

I think the unfavorable view of the Republican party means that most people feel, "Palienated."

Jack:
The 34% approval of the republican party simply means that 34% of the American people haven't been paying attention to what's been happening...or, they're CEOs.

It means that 34% of Americans are oblivious to reality. As a Canadian i dropped my party of choice the "liberal" party years ago after it became apparent it was a foolish matter of pride and ignorance to stick with something "just because". Common sense is a dying art it seems, however this last election gave me hope that a large majority of Americans are waking up from their silly slumber of the previous eight years.

The problem is for years the GOP has acted too much like Democrats. There is no other way to lose a Republican base. Bush's attitude toward immigration, jobs leaving the country, and not saying no to any spending is not a conservative stance. By the way, do you have any unbiased figures on the Democrats? They rule congress and have a lower rating than Bush!

Jack,
I have one word for you: BUSH

To a certain extent this a reflection on the Bush administration, and the War in Iraq. It is also a reflection of the financial crisis that is ongoing. It's easy, and sometimes fair, to blame the party and President in power for these problems. As a Republican, I can see how desperately the GOP needs to undergo a process of soul searching, to begin undoing the damage of the past 8 years. We'll see if polls like these and an Obama administration will aid this process.

Does the phrase from the song "What Have you Done for me Lately, jog my memory?

It means they have a lot of sincere and hard work ahead of them or they will have to face the fact that they have become irrelevant!

The reason that the public is so down on the GOP is that things have finally boiled over. The greedy, self serving attitudes and policies of the party finally came to light. It took a lot of catastrophic events and improper decisions and behavior, but the people finally had enough and the silent majority has risen up.

Jack,

Quite simply, it means that 34% have no idea of what has gone on over the last 8 years. Sad.

Jack

The Republican Party has become a strange marriage of the corporations and the God crowd, neither of which can win on their own. With all their money, the GOP has been able to snow about half of America for some time now, but evidently things come to a point where the best spin in Washington cannot explain the worst management ever.

"They are just fed up as the rest of us but completely bilnd, and crazy I'm impressed the number is that low, on the other hand... no I am not, I was just making a bad joke"

JACK, the last eight years has taken its toll on myself and the majority of my friends. The economy has not been good for the working folks and enough is enough with the Republic Party. We all enjoyed and did well during the Clinton administration and now are looking forward to the Obama administration.

Jack, Is this a trick question? It means that 34% of Americans are stupid, what else can it mean?????

That's an easy one Jack! It means that the Republicans have become about as popular as a Root Canal!

Wow, there are that many Sarah Palin supporters.

To stop the bleeding, the Republican Party has to abandon their political attacks on what they perceive to be moral and ethical behavior. They also need to repudiate the vicious intolerance exhibited by their current supporters, the fascist religious evangelists.

What it means Jack, it is about time that the US gets few other political parties. You cannot have democracy for 300 million people who are only reprensented by two political parties. Isn't it ironic that the US goes around the world preaching to other nations how to become democratic but at the same time you don't take care of cleaning up your own messy back yard?

Well, that is no surprise. An inarticulate, incompetent president who did the country in first which will eventually do the party in too.

This presidency should be tited "Lies, more Lies and even more Lies".

I am still wondering how the people gave him two terms.

Just like that NASA toolbag ... the Repulican Party is adrift in space.

Joe
Jacksonville, Florida

It means that congress has horribly low approval ratings, and as recent polls have shown, many people don't realize that Democrats control congress, so they blame Republicans, hence the low numbers for Republicans. If more people actually knew who controlled congress, those numbers may be different.

Liberals will always have a negative view of the republican party. The reason why many conservatives have a negative view now has to do with:

1. They were hoping to have a CONSERVATIVE to vote for this presidential election.
2. They feel like the JM campaign and the RNC laid down and gave up the fight.
3. They feel the RNC is adrift with no real leadership.

Dear Jack,
The reason the Republicans have such a low rating is mainly because of George Bush. Obviously America is fed up with him and other heavy right wing conservatives. That is why we elected a black Democratic President in Barack Obama. It is going to take a long time for the Republicans to gain back there respect from America.

It means 66% of Americans have a disfavorable view of the Republican party.

Republicans now are split between fiscal conservatives and social conservatives. As a young Republican who wants the party to survive in the future, I think that the party should separate itself from the traditional ideas of society and focus on being economically conservative, because as we've seen in the most recent Republican white house administration, we've strayed away from fiscal thriftiness and spent ourselves into begging the Democrats to take over.

Though the economy and the last 8 years has a lot to do with this unfavorable rating, I'm convinced that a lot of it has to do with the mean-spirited, vile campaign tactics the Republican Party has launched. Too many times they stepped way beyond acceptable behavior. Sadly when a "conservative group" claims Christianity and Family Values as its base and foundation, then comes up spewing such unbelieveable hate, it is a real turnoff for everyone

The poor perception of the GOP is because of Bush, Stevens, (insert any other republican turned convicted felon here.) Their hypocrisy has forced even the party faithful to begin removing the wool from their eyes that has left them championing inane moral issues to the detriment of defense, the economy; issues that matter.

It means two thirds of America think the GOP no longer represents the best interests of them. The progressive tidal wave is right on schedule and will sweep away the embittered remnants the Republican party.

Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas

What does it mean?
It meas that 34% are still not getting it!
It is frightning to think there are 34% of people that would still vote Republican and even worse to think there are 20some percent out there that think "W" is doing a good job.

they are paying for leaning right and letting bush play ruler.

It means that 34% of the people still believe in the dumbing of America. On the other hand maybe it means that the rest of us have overcome that and finally realize the idea of giving MORE money to those who already have it all is just utterly rediculous and that it plain flat out does not work.

It means that the republican party is irrelevant. Is it any wonder considering that while this country is falling apart financially and structurally they are that still more concerned by who is allowed to get married and trying to force teenagers to have unwanted babies? They are too busy deciding on curtains to notice that the house is on fire.

Amazing that 34% are actually still hanging on. They must be the religious right, anti-human rights, pro-war folks that make up their "base."
You know, the same ones who think Sarah Palin should run this country.
The same ones who think McCain ran a "clean campaign." The Republicans need to remember that just because you say something enough doesn't make it true, and thank God, the country got it right this time.

The people do not hate the Republicans and do not even see the Republicans unfavorably. Republican has become a dirty word thanks to George Bush over the last four years. We live in a moderate to conservative society so why do we hate Republicans? Well, basically, when the public is asked if they like or dislike Republicans, you are asking them if they like or dislike George Bush and the bottom line is that no one likes George Bush or his policies. The Republicans do not have to change their views but we do have to start nominating more intelligent Republicans. Yes they do exist.

Gallup also says that 19% of people approve of the job Congress is doing and 74% said they disapprove. Hmmm, last time I checked The Dems controlled both the House and Senate. I guess the Republicans are bringing that number WAY down, right Jack?

It means it's time for reflection. It's also time to re-establish principle's that are in line with our century. Good luck with that.

America has finally woken up to what the so-called Republican core values are: war, violations of the Constitution, torture, politicizing the Justice Department, involvement of religion in government, vote stealing, and so on. None of these are American values.

It means that Karl Rove's grand dream of a permanent majority can be realized if President Obama and the Democratic congress can solve the economic crisis and capture or kill Osama bin Laden. The only caveat is that it will be a permanent Democratic majority.

The republican party needs to open its eyes to real world issues such as making the government work for every day people and not just their cronies in big business. They need to stay true to their principles of limited government and fiscal conservatism and not try to impose their religious beliefs and big budget government upon American citizens. Until they work out these issues and open their eyes to the diverse America that we now live in, their favorable ratings will continue to shrink.

The Republican Party has become the party of the Me Generation, Decisions and policies are based on what will benifit me today. Republicans want higher defence spending, Stronger border security, Improved roads, Corporate bailouts, Lower taxes. and they want the kids to pay for it. Americans in general are finally understanding that Republicans don't give a fiddler's fart about the common man.

I don't understand why everyone is blaming the Replublican Party. I think the question should be. What does it say that Americans voted the Replubican Party and Bush for two consecutive terms only later to give him a 34 percent approval rating. Have you forgotten alreay ?? Palin almost won

This present adminitration highjacked the religious right and their own party to get elected. It took 8 years for most people to realize just how dishonest they really are. The really sad part is they robbed the treasury (our grandkids) at the same time. How could anybody be proud of that!!!!

Thanks for allowing a comment,

David in Indiana

It means that 66% of the American people have collectively removed the wool that has been pulled over everyone's eyes by the Bush Administration. Hooray for US but too bad for those left in the republican party who honestly want to do something to improve the country. What I would like to hear is what the 34% who approve... approve of. Most of the stalwart "republicans" that I know and talk to believe what they are told without any rational critique of the beliefs they are told to believe in.

It means maybe Sarah Palin and MiKe Pence might not be a good slate for 2012.

Sarge
Indianapolis

Jack,

The country has woken up and even many Republicans are fed up with policies that allow most of the money in the country to remain in the hands of very few at the top, while others suffer. People are also fed up with a foolish war which has wasted billions of dollars. The American public perceives the Republican party as a group of wealthy, white, old men who are greedy and intolerant. With the current economic crisis people realize more than ever that the greedy policies of the Republicans benefited a small group of selfish men.
In contrast, Barack Obama represents goodness, fairness and decency – something the country is hungry for.

Simple math, Jack.

25% religious conservatives
10% economically over-privileged

That's 35% - the Republican's actual clientele.

As ye sow, so shall ye reap.

The chickens have come home to roost.

The Republicans spent eight years bumbling through the two greatest challenges in recent US history: 9/11 and the current economic crisis. Hard to support leadership that fails to lead when you need them most.

Let’s hope the Democrats can do any better. Or they’re likely to see all-time low approval ratings too.

The Republican Party has always represented the rich in this Country. Now, there is only 5% who are considered to be rich. They have not represented 95% of this Country's population during the last 8 years therefor we are all paying for it. I know John MacCain tryed to keep the economy going by buying (7) houses, but he is only one person, there are millions of other less wealthy people who could have bought houses and kept the economy going if things had been different.

Dave Ross
Grand Island, FL

Jack, from an Obama-Republican, I'd say the Republican principles that Ronald Reagan preached are gone. Neo-conservatives have become the face of the party. Americans haven't seen a competent and principled Republican for a long time (excluding Ron Paul).

Go Obama

It means that the GOP thinks 76% of Americans are wrong. They just don't get it.

It means that there is something irrational and hypocritical about 34% of the country. I mean that Osama Bin Laden could not have done more damage to America as president than Bush has done in the last 8 years and continues to do. I used to support President Bush, but he has proven himself a traitor and needs to be treated as such.

I am a former Republican, thanks to the Bush Administration. I call myself an Independent that is fiscally conservate and socially moderate. There are two issues that the Republican party needs to address.

First, get back to basics with being a fiscal conservative. Stop being the cause of the spending and start being the voice for restraint.

Second, have an open mind with social policies. Social issues are too emotionally charged not to be willing to find common ground.

Could it be that 61% of people finally realized that they will never make 250.000 a year

I always felt the GOP stood for protecting one's
individual rights. Instead it has become the party of selective rights.
The GOP has lost the support of most americans because it no longer is interested in protecting our constitutional rights.

Just look at the smear campain they ran. They could not talk about how they would help. They just tore everything down. They acted like grade school children not leaders of a Country. Look how they went after each other after they lost no class and sore losers.

It may mean time for a change again. The last time the Republican party changed its name to the Democratic party. An answer could be to change its name to the Patriotic party and if you don't belong to it you will be called unpatriotic. This may work since the last eight years has so weakened support.

It means that the republican party is irrelevant. Is it any wonder considering that while this country is falling apart financially and structurally they are more concerned with who is allowed to get married and forcing teenagers to have unwanted babies. They are too busy deciding on curtains to notice that the house is on fire.

I am actually surprised that there are that many who have a favorable opinion. I suppose that would be the party's base, you know, those geniuses who thought Sarah Palin was the best thing since sliced bread. The wonderful fact is though, a vast majority of the American people have come to their senses. I think it may be the fact that we finally had an actual intelligent person as one of the choices to lead our great country, and enough of us were paying attention.

34 % for Republicans ... that's about 3 times higher than the approval ratings for the Democratic Congress.

it means that 66% of Americans are not trying to live in post civil war days, thank you!

It means that theirs still 34% of americans who dont get it. They dont get that small town america day of running it their way is over,they dont get that a country ran by the rich is over,they dont get that this country will no longer put up with hatred,division,and deregulation.And that the grand old party need minority votes.

It means that there is something drastically wrong with 34% of the country. Put another way, there are always people who see what they want to see, and don't let the facts of the matter (or reality) influence their opinions what-so-ever. Sad! Actually the republicans should be thrilled that their rating is in double digits. See, miracles do happen!

Are you kidding me? You mean after 8 years of reckless spending, large deficit, unemployment, economic meltdown and a mess in Iraq? The country is divided 50/50 and if 34% still have a favorable view of the Republican that means 68% of Republicans still don’t get it. That is sad statistics.

Too many people see the GOP as the party of intolerance, filled with self-righteous, out-of-touch, narrow-minded bigots. We'd benefit from a strong two party system in this country, but the Republican party must first become a party of inclusion. And it must begin to generate actual ideas, solutions, and policies, instead of only denigrating any and all ideas offered by those who are not Republicans.

34% means that, approximately, 17% of registered republicians are losing faith in their party.

Jack,
First off, when Bush and the Neocons lied in order to start the war in Iraq, (no wmd's existed prior to the war), they set themselves up to fail. Secondly, Bush chose to cling to his lobbyist buddies and ignore the american public. Third, Bush chose the evangelical base. When you have republican members of congress looking for gay sex, breaking the law and other immoral activities, don't expect support from the common man

It tells me that 34% of the population is just plain stupid.

Larry, Austin TX

34%, WOW!! Can't believe it's that high!!!

I am sure they are the same percent that still think that Pres Bush is doing a good job. I say we find these individuals and give them shock therapy. How anyone can think that the party that has been in power for the last 8 years is still deserving of approval is beyond me.

It means that there are still 34 out of 100 people that refuse to acknowledge the flawed thinking in GOP leadership as of late. 34% may seem low, but frankly, I find it alarming that it is that high! Does that mean that 34% would just as soon continue the status quo? OMG!

Let me list the reasons:

Record national debt;
Record trade deficit;
Record unemployment;
Record war expenditure;
Record for corruption;
Most hated nation on earth;
Ignoring the middle class and less fortunate for 12 years;
Poor environmental record;
High Gas prices and still no energy policy;

Want more? There are some, but that's enough for me. Count me among those who are sick of the Republicans and their crookedness and lies.

Well Jack, I hope it means that the time for good 'ole boys to slink out of Washington and go back to where ever they came from is close at hand. It's about time the American public opened their eyes and flipped the thought switch instead of giving blind, loyal nods to every self serving scheme these guys come up with. Who knows, the people might be ready to toss the good 'ole Democrats as well and we'll see a new trend toward non-partisan unity and accountability. Then again, maybe my switch isn't turned on all the way either.

It means that the idea of trickle down economics is a failure. It means that there are limits to growth and an economy needs to be based on sustainability...not groth. It means that people know meanness when they see it and they have had enough. It means that we may be entering a new era of honoring intelligence in our leaders rather than mocking it. It means that we may be able to save ourselves from the distruction that Bush and the Republicans have done in the past 8 years.

That at least 34% of Americans are illiterate, or don't know how to read newspapers.

The Republicans are dinosaurs; dying out all across the country. There's nothing that can be done to save the "Grand Old Party". This is simply natural selection. The Democratic party and Independents are the age of our future. Who knows, maybe it's the Green party's turn to move up the food chain. The Republicans have gone the way of the "dodo". Thanks George W. Bush.