Poll: Middle Class May Bring Dems Victory

Survey Indicates Massive Move By Middle Class Away From GOP; Iraq War, Economy Cited As Top Causes

(AP)  A massive apparent move by the middle class away from the Republicans has 56 percent of likely voters saying they plan to vote to send a Democrat to the House on Nov. 7 compared with 37 percent who said they would vote for President George W. Bush's Republicans, the latest Associated Press-AOL News poll shows.

If the tally bears this out a week from next Tuesday, Republican control of the House of Representatives could become a victim of the Iraq war. Voters rated the war and the economy as their top issues in the poll released Thursday.

Middle-class voters deserted the Democrats a dozen years ago, but the promise of their return is giving the party its best chance to reclaim the House of Representatives since the Republicans swept Democrats from power in 1994. The AP-AOL survey found voters leaning considerably more toward Democrats in the final weeks of the campaign.

Democrats need to gain 15 seats in the House and six in the Senate to control Congress. All 435 House seats and 33 in the 100-member Senate are up for election.

Early this month, Democrats had a 10 percentage-point advantage when voters were asked whether they would vote for the Democratic or Republican candidates in their congressional districts. The Democratic edge is now 19 percentage points.

The AP-AOL News telephone poll of 2,000 adults, 970 of whom are likely voters, was conducted by Ipsos Oct. 20-25.

Dismissing talk of a sour outlook for the Republicans, the House's leader, Speaker Dennis Hastert, cited signs of a strong economy and rejected on Thursday the Democratic argument that voters should fire him and his rank-and-file.

“Things are looking pretty good, and I don't think anybody would really want to change that at this time,” he said.

In the minority, Democrats are arguing for a change in leadership and trying to tap into intense public anxiety about the Iraq war as well as discontent with Bush and the Republicans in charge of the House and Senate.

The 2006 election has been likened to 1994, when backlash against the controlling Democrats triggered a change in power and ushered in an era of new rulers, the Republicans.

Twelve years later, the tables appear poised to turn, in part because, as an AP analysis shows, fickle middle-class voters are returning to the Democratic Party after abandoning it in 1994.

Back then, middle-class voters — those earning less than $75,000 (euro59,000) a year and those who have graduated from high school or have some college education — fled the Democrats in droves, helping Republicans capture dozens of Democratic-held House seats to seize control for the first time in decades.

Democrats recovered some of that lost ground in the following years, but they never fully regained their grasp on the middle class. In the intervening elections such as this one, when the president was not on the ticket, Democrats and Republicans have split the House vote among middle-income and middle-education groups.

This fall, however, the AP-AOL News poll shows that Democrats have an advantage, in some cases in the double digits, among middle-class voters.

“I feel like the Republicans have forgotten the middle class,” says Joseph Altland, 73, a retired teacher, who is a registered Republican but says he is considering becoming an independent. He bemoans rising insurance costs and utility bills. “The guys I golf with, we're in the middle class. We're getting hurt,” he said.

A majority of middle-class voters now favor Democrats to control the House and say that Democrats best represent their most closely held beliefs. They trust Democrats more than Republicans to handle the situation in Iraq, which most of them view as a mistake. The war is this voting group's most important issue. The economy and health care are close behind.

Like voters of all stripes, the middle class is angry with Bush and congressional Republican leaders.

Democrats say the shift is not a surprise.

“We're the ones who understand the middle-class squeeze,” said Congressman Rahm Emanuel, the head of the House Democrats' campaign effort. “Democrats are talking about middle-class tax cuts and Republicans are talking about staying the course.”

But Congressman Phil English challenged that statement, saying: “Middle-class voters are no more likely to gravitate to the Democrats in any sustained way than chickens would embrace Colonel Sanders. The Republicans, however imperfectly, have done the better job of embracing middle-class needs.”

[thewordengine]

Lets quit talking Republicans and Democrats and embrace the reality that neither party represents working class people. Certain corporations back one party and other corporations back the other. Neither party represents the working class. We need true politicians: not in it for the money, but running because they believe in making our country a better place for the multimillions that keep things going every day. These billionaire clubs are sucking our society dry, and we are kissing their rears for crumbs and broken promises. We the people, must demand to be represented.

[newsthought1]

Well said, wordengin. And perhaps the best way to people power vs. corporations buying politicians is to have election reform, so that candidates can run with no corporate strings attached. See this link on how that can be done:

http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/242/index.html

Hastert says, %u201CThings are looking pretty good, and I don't think anybody would really want to change that at this time." He must be smoking crack! Between the corruption, fraud, and influence peddeling of Abramoff, DeLay, Scanlon, Burns, Reed, and Ney; Bush's buddy Ken Lay and the Enron fiasco; the terrible mismanagement of Katrina; plus Bush, Rumsfeld, Cheney, Scooter Libby, and Rove lying to get us into Iraq, running lawless with warrantless surveillance, torture, and the CIA leaks, while making Halliburton rich from ripping off the U.S. and failing to supply our troops; plus trying to sell out port security to an arab company; and the sleeze and cover-up of Foley, Reynolds, Boehner, Shimkus, Alexander and Hastert... the republicans have had their turn to show us their idea of government. Stop the greed, the lies, and stop giving America a bad name!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! It is TIME FOR A CHANGE!!

[book54552134]

thewordengin - You're right. Neither party is representative of the people overall. Mostly they're interested in maintaining their own personal power & prestige & perhaps to assist their corporate buddies grow their wealth at the expense of the masses. Unfortunately for the people, this is the American system as it now exists. We have a 2 party system for good or ill & presently, it appears Democrats are quite a bit more the lesser of the 2 evils.

[whatithink-2009]

The only people who vote Republican are the super rich and the super stupid. If the latter would get over the fact that blacks now have the right to vote, *** getting married is not the most important issue in this country, nobody is trying to take away their guns and the GOP is not really protecting them from the boogyman, this country might start to actually improve.

[radiob-2009]

Until there is true campaign finace reform where all campaign are sponsored entirely by the public and a viable third party comes along we do not have much choice.

[book54552134]

Hastert - "Things are looking pretty good ..."
Youbetya, Denny, if you're a member of the rich elite. While you & your Republican buddies are busy playing the role of Robin Hood in reverse, (raiding the Treasury by way of tax cuts for the benefit of the rich, attempting to drain the Social Secerity Trust Fund by way of personal investment accounts, ect.) those of the Middle Class & the poor are desperately battling to feed their children & provide for their health-care - a battle they are slowly but surely losing. But then you don't want to bother beautiful Republican minds with such unpleasantness. Well, let em eat cake! huh Denny?

[manner6]

I hope the people who want change will actually VOTE. And remember, the bush administration has completely redefined the Republican party and what it means to be a conservative. If we can get rid of the "neocons", it will be the first step in establishing the political health of our country.

[mjv2944]

Working class people are "partyless", no one represents middle America. We have let this corrupted, perverted bunch of no minds less middle class down the river for the sake of big business profits. If it can be made here, then it ought to be made here. All this out sourcing has not cut the price of anything, only made for bigger profits. Time to get rid of the so called professional politicians and bring back the common folks with common sense. Lawyers making laws for lawyer has really gotten us in a lot of trouble. KICK THEM ALL OUT!!!!!!!!!!!

[bluestardad]

We in America need to pull back from this Frenzy of Fear that has spellbound us since September 11, 2001. I am not saying to let down our guard or not be prudent with our Law enforcement, Intelligence agencies or Military as their constant job is to protect the American people and they do it well. Rationally speaking it is more likely that a person will be killed in a car accident on the way to get milk than killed by a Terrorist in America. Hispanics coming across our border for work are not the terrorist or the enemy. Unfair trade practices initiated by our government are the cause of our jobs leaving and the demise of the Middle Class in America not some Terrorist plot. Political Parties have been using fear in an attempt to maintain power in this country. Americans do the math you are more likely to do yourself bodily harm than to be harmed by a Terrorist. America is a Land of Opportunity and hopes where people live in Freedom. America is not a land were people will be governed by Fear.

[meboard]

For an admin that "doesn't pay attention to polls" Karl Rove admited on radio that he looks at 67 different polls to monitor public opinion. (They lie about that too.)

[houser123]

While I agree that both parties have trouble identifying with the "Middle Class", it is truly apparent the worst of these parties is the Republicans. I consider our family middle class although according to the definition above, we are doing a little better. When Bush's tax cuts were inacted, we did not make enough money to qualify. I can only hope that " EVERY LEGALLY REGISTERD VOTER WILL DO SO ON NOV. 7TH. IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE A 95% TURNOUT. WE WOULD THEN KNOW EXACTLY WHERE THE PEOPLE STOOD ON THESE ISSUES.

WE NEED TO DEMAND TRUE CAMPAIGN REFORM AND TERM LIMITS FOR OFFICE HOLDERS. DEMAND THESE OF THE PEOPLE WE ELECT.

[observantx]

Okay, let%u2019s see here.

About the polite fiction that campaign contributions have nothing to do with how our Congressional members vote on and propose legislation. We hear time and again that the $$$ doesn%u2019t buy votes.

Let%u2019s consider a baseball game. A batter steps up to the plate, but before he steps into the batter%u2019s box he pauses and reaches into his back pocket for his wallet. He opens it and pulls out a large stack of bills. He peels off $100 bills, one after the other after another and gently tucks the thick wad in the shirt pocket of the umpire. He has not said a word. He steps into the batter%u2019s box and the first pitch is drilled dead center between the knees and shoulders and between the outside corners of home plate. The umpire cries out, %u201CBALL ONE%u201D

It%u2019s the same in Congress, people. These politicians see their job as not representing you and me and upholding the Constitution that they swore to. Their job is to get reelected and stay on the gravy train. And why not, they think? It%u2019s a sweet deal. Great pay, fantastic pension plan, cushy offices, limos, perks galore, lobbyists kissing up to them all the time, and more.

So they play us for suckers. They shake hands and kiss babies while pick pocketing the average middle class person and handing that money over to their man standing in the batter%u2019s box.

Had enough? Then get off your keester and get down to the polls and CLEAN HOUSE!

[meboard]

I was taken aback by an interview on CNN about a single young lady in NYC who works in her father's pizza restaurant. She didn't like the high cost of health care insurrance but she didn't have time to register or vote. You can't change anything if you don't vote... dumb!

[rsoxfan1123]

Sounds like the aristocrats' days in office are numbered....the democrats should actually be grateful to bush for making such a mess of things.

[lochlan-2009]

Yup, Former Republican rate here voting to clean house across the boards.

[perception5]

Yeah.... and the exit polling from election night 2004 had Kerry winning the election...... FYI the head of our liberal Associated Press is an Al Gore pal and big donor.
Can anyone one say "bias" or "conflict of interest".
Let American's decide by voting on November 7th..... instead of these polls run by known liberal MSM outlets..........
They are pushing this propaganda in order to depress GOP turnout.......nice try

[bozly54]

Have be somewhat astounded these last six years as the various Bush Brigade bumbles, bungles and blunders have played and rolled on and on yet a contingency of the "middle-class" aligned themselves with the Bush folks. Perhaps somehow beguiled by the "supposed" tax breaks which were NOT "real" for they cost more than most comprended as service and programs and etc's were CUT to the bone and the costs shifted to the shoulders of individuals at a HIGHER COST than when SHARED. The trauma of 911 still have too many willing to forego various "whatever" basics of even our CONSTITUTION for a FALSE sense that somehow such will offer us up some form of security when the opposite is far more true as it perils our basic , grounded principles of which this nation was founded upon and for.

[peterbaldwin-2009]

The Republicans have engaged in class warfare for years. Its about time for the middle class to realize that they are not part of the Republican club. If the Dems sweep, its time to soak the rich, oil companies and corporations and give the proceeds to working American families. The Dems have been weak in supporting labor. hopefully now they will get it.

[bluestardad]

CALL TO AMERICAN VOTER
STAY FOCUSED AMERICA IT IS ABOUT TO GET TOUGH. WE HAVE A FEW MORE DAYS OF INTENSE ATTACK ADS, SMOKE SCREENS, DIVISION OF ELECTORATE, DECEPTION, MISREPRESENTATION, AND LIES, TO ENDURE BEFORE WE CAN UNCOVER THE ELECTION FRAUD, RECOUNT THE VOTE, AND THROW THESE CRIMINALS OUT OF OFFICE. THEN WE CAN START HEALING AMERICA.

[emhawks]

This is one ordinary, middle-class American who believes it's time for a change! I'm well aware that there is(& always has been & probably always will be) corruption in both the Democrat & Republican parties. But, the level of corruption we're seeing since the Bush adm. took office, is the worst in US history. They care nothing about the middle-class, or any class! Bush/Cheney & others in their adm. are only interested in power, money & war(because it generates more money).
Vote for major change Nov. 7th! And stay informed. Knowledge is power!

[mjv2944]

I just hope that the dems don't drop the ball if its handed off to them. They seem to get side tracked with issues that don't really matter to me, such as gay marriage and the like, I could care less, this economy and country is in big trouble. First order should be to limit exposure to the lobbyists, as they have sold America out for profits for big business. What really sc ares me, is I'm afraid they are just as corrupt as the neocons. They have to concentrate on getting back middle America, it won't be easy, but they need to try. Sad part being big business will probably win, as money talks and bull*hit walks.

[peterbaldwin-2009]

Most Americans don't realize it but if you travel around EU countries, you will surprisingly see a higher standard of living for its people, better infrastucture, and a much happier and content people.

Too many Americans have become slaves to corporate America with long hours and meager rewards. The current economic boom is not showing up in the paychecks of middle America. Paul Krugman in the Times has been pointing this out for years and the middle class is starting to listen. All those billions given to the rich, corporations and the oil companies, would reduce the middle class's tax burden to a small fraction of what it is today. The EU countries do it without the monstrous economic tax-producing engine that the US enjoys.

[hockeymanvt]

Usually reading a set of comments here leads me to alternatively celebrate and grit my teeth. This set of comments seems to represent what I hope will be a new movement in America. Please help to make it happen. Just one comment about the future of the Democratic party and the middle class. I can understand your frustration in our being under-represented in the past but as a person who knows Howard Dean as a fellow father watching our kids play hockey together, this person can help guide the party in a good direction. He is NOTHING like person that the republicons try to represent.

[j267796]

This is the first time, i have ever posted but after reading this article I could not help but comment. Under Clinton, I had a decent paying job with full benefits (retirement, medical, etc). Under Bush, I was unemployed because my job was outsourced overseas. I have found another job but get paid less, have no insurance for my family, and have used my 401K to keep from loosing my home. I am NOT better off than I was under the Democrats. I have been denied educational assistance due to recent cut in the grant program and am working two jobs to pay for school. How can Repub say the economy is better when most of my neighbors are in the same position? I will be voting Democrat!!!!!

[bellal-2009]

I don't think voting Democrat is going to be the silver bullet you think. The dow is up, home equity is up, interest rates have stayed low, it's not a picnic in the park but it's certainly not as bad as it could have been.

[pendragon679]

What do we need in Washington?
--Elected leaders who genuinely lead and who are responsive to the people who elected them.
--Leaders with the the testicular fortitude to create legislation that reigns in the flow of tax dollars to the ultra-rich.
--Leaders who will create legislation that not only mandates a living wage, put places a cap on corporate executive compensation.
--Leaders with the stones to reign in multi-billion-dollar corporate profits. When Exxon-Mobile can rake in record profits for 4 quarters in a row, at a time when gas prices are declining, there's something seriously wrong.
--Leaders who will place the interests of the middle class first, and the interests of the ultra-wealthy last.
--Leaders who are interested in genuinely protecting the homeland, not engaging in needless war over oil. Protecting the homeland begins AT HOME, not in some godforsaken desert.
--Leaders who recognize that our real enemies are NOT ***, illegal aliens, "liberals," and the boogyman-of-the-month.
In short, we need CHANGE in Washington. And the only way we'll acheive that change is to get our heads out of our collective butts and VOTE.

[pendragon679]

The censored word in my last post is G-A-Y-S...

Sheesh, this political correctness has gone WAY too far...

[bluestardad]

Guys you can feel it in the air there is an awakening of the American Electorate and we are the sleeping giant our oppressors have feared all this time. We need to make sure that we take someone to the poles on Election Day. Americans will vote against this administration in so great of numbers that Carl Rove%u2019s election stealing programmers cannot up date the election theft code fast enough to stop the landslide victory.

[sandy994]

When you lose your middle class, you hopefully lose the election. In no other time have I seen such a squeeze on people to keep their heads above water, keep their homes and worry about skyrocketing health care. We are desperate for new leadership and desperate for change. Only if the Democrats retake the House and the Senate can we expect a major shift in priorities. Do you want more of the same of the last six years?
I certainly don't.

[tejasdemo]

Fknocker....looks to me like the repubs are the ones looking to bring down the goverment. Record deficits, sending a generation of kids to fight in a useless war and die, cutting back taxes so much that pretty soon you are going to have rely on the kind heartedness of guys like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, etc to fund highway improvements, schools, hospitals etc, and basically dismantling the Constitution, a document that has withstood the test of many wars, debates etc.

[christiansin]

Ah hah! Now we know why the current adminstration has been doing everything possible to destroy the middle class! They know that if they drive enough of the middle class to the poor house, then losing the votes of what is left of the middle class won't matter!

If they can't pursuade the middle class to vote for them so they can retain power, they'll simple destroy the middle class! Seems logical enough. I wonder if that is the brain child of Karl Rove???

[darkfyreaol]

Let's see... It's said there's no easy way to accomplish something on a national scale.. Here's 3 EASY steps for a better America.

1. Eliminate political bias in the White House. The President's job is to represent ALL Americans, not just the ultra-rich.

2. Reverse outsourcing of American jobs.

3. Reinstate the system of government that was intended for this nation: President Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 - Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the President of the United States, containing, among other things, the following, to wit: That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord 1863, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.

[darkfyreaol]

My last comment was intended to show that we are indeed becoming slaves of the government. The American people are crying out in protest - 63% of America is crying foul with what is going on in the White House. And the President has decided that they are not worthy enough to breathe the same air as he.