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Administration officials say they fear that losing even one house of Congress would mean subpoenas and investigations--a taste of the medicine House Republicans gave Bill Clinton. "Everything will grind to a halt," one said. That prediction could be a scare tactic designed to get out the G.O.P. vote. But Democrats say that if they are victorious in November, they plan to force Bush to be more accountable, and they intend to dig through records of contracts in Iraq, for homeland security and for the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Democratic Representative Henry Waxman of California, one of the most dogged critics of the Administration, would be in line to chair the House Government Reform Committee and could write witness lists instead of open letters to the West Wing. "Some of these ranking members have had 10 years to think about what they would do," a Democratic official said. If Republicans can't change the course of things soon, the Democrats may have their chance. [The Following Descriptive Text Appears Within A Diagram] TIME Poll WILL BUSH BRING DOWN THE HOUSE? THE PRESIDENT Bush's struggles continue. His approval rating is below 40% and nearly half the country questions his competence In general, do you approve of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as President? Approve: 39% Disapprove: 56%
Would you describe President Bush as ... ... Competent? Total: 52% G.O.P.: 90% Dem.: 25% Ind.: 46% ... Incompetent? Total: 47% G.O.P.: 9% Dem.: 73% Ind.: 53% CONGRESS Voters lean toward putting the Democrats back in control even though the party is seen as lacking a clear agenda. Voters prefer the Democrats on many domestic matters, but Republicans hold a notable edge on handling terrorism If the congressional elections were being held today, would you be more likely to vote for the Republican or Democratic candidate?* Democratic 50% Republican 41% Regardless of which candidates you favor, would you rather see the Republicans or the Democrats control Congress? Democratic 49% Republican 38% Do you think the Democrats have a clear set of policies for the country? Yes 36% No 56% Do you think the Republicans have a clear set of policies for the country? Yes 43% No 50% *Asked of registered voters. Includes respondents who "lean" toward a particular party
Which party would do a better job of ... Democrats / Republicans ... rebuilding New Orleans and the Gulf Coast? Democrats ...48% Republicans ...21% ... standing up to special interests?
Democrats ...40% Republicans ...22%
... managing government spending?
Democrats ...46% Republicans ...31%
... dealing with corruption in government?
Democrats ...39% Republicans ...25%
... protecting the rights of Americans?
Democrats ...48% Republicans ...35%
... managing tax policies?
Democrats ...45% Republicans ...38%
... dealing with the war in Iraq?
Democrats ...40% Republicans ...41%
... dealing with terrorism?
Democrats ...33% Republicans ...44%