DEBT POLL

Public Frustrated With Obama, Congress

Four in 10 say situation is worst in their lifetime.

A USA Today/Gallup poll released Monday found that 50 percent of America believes the president and Congress are doing a worse job than their predecessors in dealing with national issues. Four out of 10 believe it's the worst performance they've seen from lawmakers in their lifetime. The public is split 50-50 on the question of whether Obama is looking out for his own political needs or the nation's interests. "It's discouraging," says John Ross, 71, a moderate Republican from Florida. "The divide has gotten greater between Republicans and Democrats, and the concept of bipartisanship has gone out the window—and the country is suffering." Two thirds hope policymakers will reach a compromise, while 27 percent believe they should hold out for a deal they really want, even past the August 2 deadline.