The Approval Problem with Congress
By: Joe Parker, Justin Parkinson, ABC News
Updated: August 17, 2012
Here are a few things with a higher approval rate than our elected officials on Capitol Hill:
Remember that 2010 BP Oil Spill, the one where oil pumped into the Gulf Coast for 3 straight months? 16% of Americans supported the way that spill and eventual cleanup was handled.
Oh and speaking of the oil industry--with the hydrofracking debate in full swing here in New York, and prices at the pump constantly rising, this year 20% of Americans support the gas and oil industry.
I know most of us don't enjoy those pat down searches but 13% of Americans believe TSA is doing an "excellent" job.
Even all those "Occupy" movements had a higher approval rate than Congress at 24%
Of living presidents, George W. Bush is seen as the least favorable but 43% of Americans still have a positive take of "W."
Speaking of the former president, a controversial part to his presidency, waterboarding, received a 31% approval rate by Americans.
Even President Richard Nixon...the only President to resign that office was still seen favorably by 24% of Americans.
The Penn State Sex Abuse scandal, the one that cost the "winningest" football coach of all time his job, and well, the title... received a 25% approval rate by Americans for the way PSU handled the scandal.
Okay, let's lighten it up a bit. Get this: 40% of Americans view Paris Hilton favorably. She more than doubles the approval rate of Lindsey Lohan whose 18% approval rate nearly doubles that of Congress.
So now that we have put the nation's disdain for Congress in perspective, we want to leave you on this note, there is still someone Americans view less favorably than Congress.
Convicted murderer Charles Manson's approval rating is 9.5%.
