With Dismal Approval Ratings, Dems Convene “the Biggest Crisis Communications Meeting Ever”

The Politico, Crypt Blog, October 22, 2007: “House Democrats are launching a major message push this week in an attempt to reverse their sagging approval ratings as Congress tackles a heavy legislative docket before the end of the year…. This comes on the heels of a renewed drive by Pelosi herself this fall to tout Democratic achievements so far this year in the face of polling that indicates support is slipping for the new majority…. Republicans dismissed the meeting and the outreach drive as a desperate attempt to regain some political momentum as congressional Democrats prepare for another round of legislative battles with the White House and their GOP foes on Capitol Hill. ‘This could be the biggest crisis communications meeting ever assembled, but they're going to need a lot more than 800 staffers and 200 pizzas to convince the American people that the “new direction” Congress has accomplished something in the last ten months,’ a Republican leadership aide said. ‘The only thing that has taken a new direction is Congress’ approval ratings.’" (more)

The Hill, October 23, 2007: “Nearly one year after recapturing control of Congress, House Democratic leaders will embark on a publicity blitz starting in November to combat a dismal 25 percent approval rating…. On the surface, the numbers for Democrats do not look good. A poll for National Public Radio conducted earlier this month by Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg and the Republican firm Public Opinion Strategies found that only 25 percent of voters approved of the job Congress is doing… Democrats are keenly aware of the public’s frustration. …Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.) said. ‘There is frustration out there about what Congress has done. There is so much information out there, it is hard to break through with messaging.’” (more)