Republicans Hurting Themselves With Voters

Right after the 2010 elections the Republicans were fairly popular with the voters. When voters were asked if they preferred a generic Republican or generic Democrat for Congress, on the national level the Republican always won. It has been that way for the last couple of years. But that is changing fast, and it is primarily due to the actions of the Republicans themselves.

In the newest Democracy Corps Poll, the generic Democrat now comes out on top when that question is asked. And this is primarily due to the movement of Independents away from the Republicans and toward the Democrats. Democrats now get 44% to the Republicans 42%, and when the leaners are added in it goes to 47% for Democrats and 44% for Republicans. That's still fairly close, but it marks the first time in a couple of years in this poll that the generic Democrat comes out on top.

I would love to believe that this turnaround is because Democrats have shown they deserve the chance to lead again, but that's not really what's happening. A couple of other questions in the poll show that most of the damage being done to the Republican brand is being done by the Republicans themselves. Consider these answers:

THE MORE YOU WATCH REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS, DOES IT MAKE YOU LIKE WHAT THEY ARE OFFERING MORE OR LESS?
More...............39%
Less...............53%

THE MORE YOU WATCH THE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, DOES IT MAKE YOU LIKE WHAT REPUBLICANS ARE OFFERING MORE OR LESS?
More...............38%
Less...............53%

The Republicans thought that all of the debates would showcase their candidates and win voters to their cause. It did showcase their candidates, but it is instead driving voters away from them -- especially the Independents. And the Republican efforts in Congress to protect the rich at the expense of everyone else is doing the same.

With the Republicans inflicting so much damage on themselves, the Democrats may not have to do much to win big in the 2012 elections.