Representative Lewis Staying Quiet

            Recent polls have shown that the American people are extremely frustrated with government, most notably Congress and the president. While the president currently has a 41% approval rating, Congress possesses a 9.1% approval rating according to Real Clear Politics. The recent government shutdown, coupled with the current battle over the Affordable Care act are several reasons why the approval rating is so low. A closer look reveals that Democrats have also received lower approval ratings over the past couple of weeks. In August, Democratic members of Congress possessed a 36% approval rating which dropped to 31% in September and October, during the government shutdown. The most recent poll shows that Democrats in Congress now have a 26% approval rating. This is compared to Republicans members in Congress who currently have a 21% approval rating. Although the Republicans currently have a lower approval rating, their rating is on the rise. In October, the Republicans approval rating was 18%. Therefore, the recent troubles surrounding the Affordable Care Act have affected the view of Democratic members of Congress.

            John Lewis spent this past week promoting his comic book March. Mr. Lewis spent part of the week attending the Miami Book Fair to discuss his book, experiences in Congress, and to mingle with guests. Mr. Lewis also spent the beginning of the week meeting with constituents in his home district. The fact that Mr. Lewis is spending his time with constituents and promoting his comic book rather than working in Washington D.C. and commenting on the current problems surrounding the Affordable Care Act suggests that he is trying to stay away in order to shield himself from the negative press. As an outspoken supporter of the Affordable Care Act, Mr. Lewis could be concerned with the decreasing approval ratings. During the government shutdown, when Republicans were experiencing lower approval ratings, Mr. Lewis took the opportunity and bashed the party for their inability to compromise and for their repeated attacks on the Affordable Care Act. It is interesting to see now that Mr. Lewis is quiet now that the tables have turned slightly and the Democrats' approval ratings are declining, while the Republicans' rise.

Sources:

1. Real Clear Politics: http://realclearpolitics.com/epolls/other/president_obama_job_approval-1044.html

2. Real Clear Politics: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/other/congressional_job_approval-903.html

3. Polling Report: http://www.pollingreport.com/cong_dem.htm

4. Polling Report: http://www.pollingreport.com/cong_rep.htm

5. Miami Herald: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/21/3768940/john-lewis-writes-a-graphic-memoir.html

6. Atlanta Daily World: http://atlantadailyworld.com/2013/11/15/meet-rep-john-lewis-at-frank-bailey-senior-center-in-riverdale/