Is there any basis for this skepticism beyond convenience?

Quite frankly, the poll is consistent with other polls before it. From a variety of other sources.

For both the president and congress, I would echo that I am frustrated with the way things are going in Washington. We have the war with an ever-rising body count and debt. The deficit may have shrunk some, but it is still pretty large with the debt at all-time highs virtually unheard of. A variety of pieces of legislation being rejected that the American public does want (stem cell research, hate crimes legislation, etc, etc), and some legislation making progress that the American public does not want (telecomm immunity).
The economy shows signs of going in the crapper, but our politicians in office cannot bring themselves to honestly admit "recession". The fed cuts interest rates in unheard of moves, and the president and congress are sending out checks to Americans to help "boost" the economy, but nobody admits we ARE in a recession.

Quite frankly, I would have to ask you what the heck the majority of American people have that would "satisfy" us about our elected officials' performance. What should we be looking at that would make us happy when compared to the above problems?


Sad, but in some ways very true.
On the flip side, Obama IS talking about change. And while he is a senator, it's amusing that some point to his "inexperience" as a detraction.

While on the flip side, his inexperience should also count towards mitigating what you discuss above.

I remember a phrase (I believe Douglas Adams) that states that those who can be elected to office should by no means be allowed to serve. Those who would be best at serving their country in office often have no willingness to serve in office.
Colin Powell anyone?