The lowest aggregate favorable views went to Sen. Kristen Sinema (23%). President Biden stands at 43% favorable (and 50% unfavorable)—a huge decline since he took office last January. In between, below majority ratings were meted out to: Bernie Sanders, Ted Cruz, Kamala Harris, Ron DeSantis, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Tim Scott, Mitch McConnell, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Joe Manchin.
So, what does all this mean? In a time beset with a lingering pandemic and growing inflation, people seem overwhelmed. But perhaps most importantly, voters see a squabbling political leadership unable to come to grips with the problems they face on a day-to-day basis. Partisan bickering is taking a toll, and the message is becoming clear: a pox on all your houses.
Bi-partisan support for the recent infrastructure package may signal a change in mood—but past experience argues otherwise. The divide in America goes far beyond partisan differences—it is a deep cultural rift that shows no signs of healing. As long as this rift lasts, voters will likely continue to express their disdain for all political actors.