Few Americans approved of the Congressional infighting that led to the longest government shutdown in US history. Each side pointed its finger at the other as the culprit, but what do the American people believe?
CBS conducted a survey at the beginning and end of the shutdown to test sentiment. Over a quarter (27%) felt “relieved” about the government shutdown, optimistic that their party was digging their heels in regardless of the expense to the nation. However, 48% described the shutdown as “frustrating,” with 45% “dissatisfied” by the halt.
Over half of Democratic voters (55%) disapproved of how their party handled the shutdown, with that figure soaring to 60% by the time it ended. Fewer Democrats (54%) blamed Republicans for the shutdown than their own party did.
Not only do Democrats disapprove of how their party handled the matter, but they acknowledge the incident was a lost battle. Only 32% of Democrats believe their party received the “right amount” of results compared to 70% of Republicans, but 55% of Democrats believe their party compromised “too much” in the failed negotiation.
Republicans largely disapproved of the shutdown (54%), but half felt “relieved” that their party went to lengths to avoid adding trillions to the US national debt. Democrats were less likely to see their side’s stipulations as a worthy cause.
This brings us to January, when Congress is set to meet again. The Democrats left negotiations in defeat and are likely to triple down on increased spending, but they’re losing voter support. It would be wise to tune into the wishes of the people they represent, but Congress is not motivated by such trivial matters.