A new CNN poll finds that Americans think both Democrats and Republicans are failing to act in a bipartisan manner — and that the Democrats should be the first ones to give up some of their proposals.
Among a half-sample of a their larger national poll, CNN found that that only 47% say President Obama is doing enough to cooperate with Republicans in Congress, to 52% who say he is not doing enough. As for the Republicans in Congress, they have an even worse score of only 31%-67%.
A separate half-sample of the poll then asked some detailed questions about who is more to blame, and who should give things up. “Americans feel the ball is in the Democrats’ court,” adds CNN polling director Keating Holland. “They may not be held responsible for the problem, but since they are in charge of the government, Americans appear to think they are responsible for the solution.”
The first question: “Do you think the Democratic party or the Republican party is more responsible for the lack of cooperation between the two parties in Washington?” Here the answer is 37% Republicans, 35% Democrats, and 25% both. (The “both” answer was not an option listed in the original question, but was offered up by those respondents).
The next one: “Many people say that bipartisan cooperation will only occur if one party takes the first step by giving up some of the proposals it supports. Which party do you think should take the first step toward developing bipartisan solutions to the country’s problems — the Democratic party or the Republican party?” Here it is Democrats 54%, Republicans 42%.
And finally: “If the two parties can develop bipartisan solutions to the country’s problems, which party do you think should give up more of the proposals it supports — the Democratic party or the Republican party?” The result is Democrats 51%, Republicans 43%.
