FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The 111th Congress convened in Washington today. The problems confronting the country are many… the economic crisis, energy, health care and climate change, among others.
Democrats control both houses, but Republicans are not without power, especially in the Senate. And there are disagreements among Democrats as well over such things as runaway federal spending, what to do about the automakers and the right policy when it comes to the use of fossil fuels.
The public is also skeptical. According to a new Gallup poll only 19-percent of Americans approved of the job the Democratic Congress did in 2008, one of the lowest scores on record.
By the end of the year Congress' approval rating had risen from a low of 14 percent last July to 20 percent in December.
But overall, Americans remain dissatisfied with how things are going. And it's a pretty safe bet that if Congress doesn't improve on its past performance this time around, it will be a very short stay in our nation's Capitol for many of them.
Here’s my question to you: When it comes to the economy, how much do you trust Congress to do the right thing?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Dick in Warrenton, Virginia writes:
Not at all! This is yet another inept and misguided and misled mob. Name one thing that this body has done right yet in a crisis. Gave the banks all that money without oversight? How about the knee-jerk reaction to Mr. Burris' nomination? Did not even wait for the facts or a legal position! If Pelosi, Reid, Feinstein, et al want respect from Pres. Obama and the American people, they darn well better start earning it!
CJ from Atlanta, Georgia writes:
We collectively elected them, so we are going to have to live with the decisions our elected Congressmen and women make regarding the economy. Funny how Congress has the lowest approval ratings ever, yet incumbents got re-elected in November. Next time, try harder if you want change.
Karen from Nashville, Tennessee writes:
That's a joke, right? They're politicians.
Janie from Holyoke, Massachusetts writes:
Not while Pelosi and Reid are at the helm, and continue their stupid power-plays. I predict Obama's toughest opposition will be these 2 jokers, as they will want constantly to control every move our new President makes. I hope Obama has the intelligence and wisdom to reject their ideas if it is in the best interest of the American people.
Frankie writes:
I trust Barack Obama's goals. The Republicans had deliberately succeeded in hamstringing the Democrats who could not prevail against a Presidential veto. The Republicans chose gridlock over compromise. So. It's unfair to judge the Democrats by the past, but our whole government had sure better be judged for what they all do next.
John from Rohnert Park, California writes:
Trust them? Every time Congress makes a joke it becomes a law. Every time they make a law... It becomes a joke!
Ron in San Antonio, Texas writes:
Hell no!