Pew Poll: Americans Say Debt Fiasco 'Ridiculous'

Americans on the right, left and center overwhelming view the talks to raise the debt ceiling as ridiculous, disgusting, stupid and frustrating.

Politicians, whether the president or congressional leaders, fared little better in public opinion, the latest survey by the Pew Center for the People and the Press and The Washington Post showed.

Negative terms, including childish and a joke, were chosen by 72 percent of the public to sum up the talks. Only 2 percent offered a positive view of the process in the poll of 1,001 adults conducted July 28 through the 31.

Republicans viewed the process negatively by 75 percent, Democrats 72 percent and Independents 72 percent. Among GOP members who agree with the tea party, 83 percent had a negative view.

President Barack Obama was viewed less favorably by 37 percent and more favorably by 18 percent. House Speaker John Boehner was viewed less favorably by 34 percent and more favorably by 11 percent.

Republican members of Congress took a bigger hit than Democrats. GOP members were viewed less favorably by 42 percent and more favorably by 11. Tea party members were viewed less favorably by 37 percent and more favorably by 11 while Democrats polled at 30 and 13 percent respectively.

Of tea party Republicans, 78 percent say their view of President Obama had gotten worse while 43 percent say their view of Speaker Boehner has improved. Among Republicans who do not support the tea party or are neutral, only 4 percent say they now have a positive view of tea party members in Congress.