Welcome to October! For those readers who generally hate the Federal Government, congratulations. It was shut down last night at midnight eastern time, because Congress failed to fund it.

Now the blame game begins, and it does not look too good for the Republicans.

In a poll conducted here at The Western Word (TWW), I asked, “If the Federal Government shuts down, whom do you blame for causing it?”

It was not even close; 32% said the Tea Party was to blame, and 32% said the Republicans were to blame (So, 64% thought those leaning to the right were to blame). The Democrats were blamed by 12%, President Obama was blamed by 8%, and 16% said “everyone” was to blame.

Thanks to all those who participated.

The supporters of the GOP were out in force yesterday providing their “facts” about the government shutdown on TV, radio, and through the internet – and appeared to be getting some of their instructions from Rush Limbaugh. The GOP has historically had problems getting their message out, and this past week has been more of the same.

It was a complete strategy fail by the GOP, and like they were in TWW’s poll, they are losing the public relations battle.

Quinnipiac University released the results of their poll this morning (Tuesday) showing that “American voters disapprove 74 – 17 percent of the job Republicans in Congress are doing, their lowest score ever, and disapprove 60 – 32 percent of the job Democrats are doing.”  Continue reading →