Almost three-quarters –74%– of the public disapproves of the way the GOP is handling negotiations over the federal budget, a new ABC News/Washington Post poll found on Monday. Sixty-one percent of Americans criticized Democrats and 53% blamed the president.
Members of the Republican party are almost split down the middle about their feelings for their leaders: 49% of Republicans approved, while 47% disapproved.
More than half –61%– of Democrats agreed with how their party is handling current issues; but 36% disagreed with their leaders.
Seventy percent of Americans said they believe Republicans are putting politics first, and just 27% said the party has strong leadership, according to an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released last week.
More Americans blame Republicans now than at any time during the last shutdown in 1995.
Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell held private discussions together on Monday. Leaders such as Republican Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee said they believe both sides could reach an agreement soon.
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Michele Richinick