The image of Republican congressional leaders has taken a hit in public perception, as revealed by a recent CNN poll executed by SSRS, amid the chaotic search for a new Speaker following the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) last week.
The poll shows a significant 74 percent of Americans expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of GOP leaders in Congress during this rocky period in the Speaker’s race. This is a notable rise from the 67 percent disapproval recorded back in January. Furthermore, negativity towards the Republican Party as a whole has also increased, reaching 52 percent, up from 45 percent at the start of the year.
The upheaval within the House Republicans has been palpable since the unprecedented move by eight of its members to align with Democrats and oust McCarthy from the Speakership. Even with Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) emerging as the nominee after Wednesday’s vote, the party appears divided over his potential confirmation in the forthcoming House floor vote.
The American public is equally divided over the decision to strip McCarthy of his position. The survey indicates a near-even split, with 50 percent in favor of his removal and 49 percent against. Even among Republicans and those leaning towards the GOP, opinions are split, with 30 percent viewing McCarthy’s removal positively for the party, and 34 percent seeing it negatively.
Interestingly, former President Trump’s supporters within the GOP are more favorable towards McCarthy’s ousting, with approximately 56 percent voicing approval. In contrast, only 37 percent of those GOP sympathizers who aren’t Trump supporters agreed with the decision.
However, despite the dwindling approval figures for congressional Republicans, the poll reveals that they are still held in higher regard than President Biden when it comes to addressing the nation’s major issues. A significant 54 percent of Americans reported placing more trust in the capabilities of the Republicans in Congress over President Biden in tackling crucial national challenges.
