Great Graphic: Latest Polls on Dealing with the Self-Imposed Fiscal Crisis

The American people's disapproval of Congress in handling the fiscal negotiations was arguably the necessary precondition for the resolution that appears to be in the works.  Ultimately it was not the performance of the stock market, or the dollar, or international criticism. 

This Great Graphic from the Washington Post/ABC News shows the overall increase in the public's disapproval, but especially for the Republicans in Congress.    The disapproval of Congressional Republicans grew since the government was first shutdown.   The initial and favorable spin attached by some GPO leaders was mistaken if not disingenuous.   

Ironically, a different poll, one from the Wall Street Journal, found that support for the Affordable Care Act has actually risen when the government was closed.   Moreover, the key group of voters that both parties seek are those that self-identify as independents.   The Washington Post/ABC poll found that among independents, 56% disapprove of President Obama's handling of the situation, while 68% disapprove of the Congressional Democrats, 76% disapprove of Congressional Republicans.