Dem Pollsters Say Public Doesn’t Trust Government

The Democrat polling outfit Democracy Corps offers some public surveys that are quite useful to Republicans, as well. Its latest survey digs into basic attitudes toward government programs, our elected leaders, and the political parties. The commentary by Democracy Corps, although tilted, still rings quite true:

Republicans are clearly responsible for much of this disillusionment with government, but it would be delusional and dangerous to assume the public will hold only them accountable and give Democrats a pass….The core of the problem is a fundamental belief that government, and the politicians who lead it, refuse to be held accountable for the way they conduct business – how they spend money, whom they listen to when setting their priorities, and how they conduct themselves….Americans now view government as more of a barrier than a helping hand, and its failure to be accountable in a way that produces results is central to these doubts….Perhaps the most stunning finding in the survey is that just 13 percent believe the federal government would spend additional money well while 83 percent say it would be wasted….[P]eople are sick and tired of politicians who not only operate by a different set of rules, but also who refuse to talk straight, take responsibility and admit a mistake when something goes wrong. Third, people believe that Washington listens to the wealthy and powerful, and not to them in determining the priorities and focus of government.

Democracy Corps’ analysis says: “The central question is this: Do Democrats want people to listen to them?…Democrats have a big opportunity to advance an agenda here, but only if they are bold advocates for change and accountability.”

That’s also the central question and challenge to Republican leaders.

Democracy Corps notes: “The Democrats’ initial uptick in January has stalled, and voters are not particularly bullish about a Congress that is now under Democrats’ control.”

The recommendations to Democrats by Democracy Corps apply equally well to Republicans. Indeed, they apply moreso to Republicans, who have heretofore led on these scores but who have abused the trust of not only many Independents but many Republicans.

1. Resist the temptation to remain the protector and defender of the federal government and instead seize the mantle of change and accountability;

2. Maintain authenticity, talk straight and assume responsibility for what you say you will do;

3. Establish accountability as a core element in everything you propose, along with advancing a set of specific measures;

4. Advance a strong fiscal accountability agenda that cuts waste and makes government more efficient and results-oriented;

5. Go further on anti-corruption, ethics and lobbying reform.

The prospective leaders for the Republican presidential nomination – Guiliani and Romney particularly, due to a reputation for management -- are scoring much higher in polls than the more inside-beltway types leading the Democrat chase. It’s time for Republicans in Congress to seize their opportunities by vigorously returning to Republican strengths they are viewed as frittering away for incumbent comforts and pelf over the past several years.