Democrats' Favorability Hits Rock Bottom in New National Polls

The Democratic Party's favorability ratings have plummeted to historically low levels, according to two new national polls. A CNN survey released Sunday reveals that only 29% of respondents now view the party favorably, compared to a staggering 54% who hold an unfavorable opinion. This marks a record low for CNN's polling, which dates back over three decades.

The drop is sharp—four points since January and a jaw-dropping 20 points since January 2021, when the Biden administration began. Among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, the party's favorability has also taken a nosedive, sliding from 81% at the start of Biden's presidency to just 63% in this latest poll.

Similarly, an NBC News poll, conducted March 7-11, paints an equally grim picture. Only 27% of registered voters expressed a positive view of the Democratic Party—the lowest rating in NBC’s polling history, which dates back to 1990.

The Democratic Party appears to be grappling with a crisis of confidence, especially in light of last November's election losses, where Republicans regained control of the White House, held onto their slim House majority, and secured the Senate. The GOP also made gains among key Democratic strongholds, including Black, Hispanic, and younger voters.

Meanwhile, the Republican Party isn't getting away unscathed. CNN's poll puts the GOP's favorability at 36%, while NBC's poll shows a 39% favorable rating. Both surveys indicate that the GOP remains underwater in terms of public perception, but the Democrats’ numbers are undeniably worse.

Adding to Democrats' woes, the polls show a shift in attitudes within their own ranks. A majority of Democratic respondents (57% in the CNN poll) now want their leaders to block the Republican agenda rather than seek common ground—a notable departure from the more cooperative stance seen during Trump's first term. The NBC survey echoes this sentiment, with nearly two-thirds of Democrats urging lawmakers to hold firm rather than compromise with Republicans.

The timing of these polls is significant, as they were conducted just before 10 Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, voted in favor of a GOP-driven government spending bill to avert a shutdown. This move has enraged many progressives, who are calling for stronger resistance to Republican policies.

When asked about party leadership, respondents offered a fragmented view. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was named by 10% of Democratic-aligned adults as best representing the party's core values, followed by Vice President Kamala Harris (9%), Sen. Bernie Sanders (8%), and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (6%). However, more than 30% of respondents couldn’t—or wouldn’t—name a single leader.

Both polls underscore a Democratic Party at a crossroads, facing internal divisions, declining public support, and a need to redefine its identity in a rapidly shifting political landscape.