The numbers didn't lie, and CNN’s Harry Enten couldn’t suppress a laugh as he revealed a startling truth: Congressional Democrats had plummeted in public opinion to depths previously unseen. He described their standing as “lower than the Dead Sea,” a stark image of just how far their approval had fallen.
The latest data painted a grim picture. Democrats faced an unprecedented net approval rating 55 points underwater, with less than 20% approval overall. But the real shock came from Independents, who viewed the party with a staggering negative 61-point rating – a chasm of disapproval.
Quinnipiac polling, tracking this metric for years, had never recorded such dismal numbers for Congressional Democrats. This wasn’t a momentary dip; it represented a historic low, a fundamental shift in how the public perceived the party’s performance.
The internal fractures were equally concerning. For the first time in recent history, Democrats weren’t even favorably viewed by their own party members. The approval rating from Democrats *for* Democrats had actually dipped below the disapproval rating, signaling deep dissatisfaction within the base.
This internal turmoil had real-world consequences, even impacting individual races. Enten pointed to the potential primary challenge facing Dan Goldman, a Democrat facing headwinds due to the widespread discontent within his own party.
Looking ahead to the midterms, the situation remained precarious. While Democrats held a slight lead on the generic Congressional ballot, it was a mere four points – less than half of what was typical at this stage in comparable election cycles.
Historically, a lead of this size signaled a much tougher fight for a majority. The numbers suggested a path to victory, but one considerably steeper and more uncertain than Democrats might have hoped.
A dramatic 28-point shift in opinion since October underscored the speed and severity of the decline. The base was clearly wavering, and the party’s future hinged on navigating this turbulent landscape.
Democrats were increasingly relying on the unpopularity of a potential opponent to carry them to victory, but Enten cautioned against complacency. With approval ratings this low, even a strong headwind might not be enough to guarantee success.
The situation was fluid, and much could still change. But the data served as a stark warning: Democrats faced an uphill battle, and their path to regaining control of Congress was far from assured.
