They are running out of excuses. And now they are running out of supporters.
CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten said Thursday that congressional Democrats have sunk to a record-low level of popularity, a collapse he described in stark, almost biblical terms.
According to a Quinnipiac University national survey published Wednesday, just 18% of voters approve of how congressional Democrats are doing their jobs, while 73% disapprove. Enten said the numbers represent a sharp decline from October.
“Democrats, in the minds of the American public, are lower than the Dead Sea. What are we talking about here? Well, let’s take a look. The net approval rating for Democrats in Congress … the lowest ever,” Enten said. “Look at this. Overall, they are 55 points underwater. Their approval rating is south of 20%. It’s even worse when you look at independents.”
Independents, the voters who decide elections, are walking away in historic fashion.
“Look at this: -61 points. That means that their approval rating is 61 points lower than their disapproval rating,” Enten continued. “Quinnipiac has been polling this question for the better part of the 21st century. They have never found Democrats, at least those in Congress, in worse shape than they are right now.”
Then came the truly telling detail.
CNN host Kate Bolduan asked how Democrats themselves view their own party in Congress.
“Democrats’ net approval rating of congressional Democrats — I want you to keep in mind they had never rated Democrats negatively until this year,” Enten said. “And right now, what are we talking about? We’re talking about a net approval rating from Democrats — this is Democrats on Democrats — their approval rating is actually lower, lower than the disapproval rating.”
Even the brief shutdown bump didn’t last.
“And that is quite the drop from October. I think during the shutdown, there was a bit of a boost for Democrats, right? There was a rallying-around-the-flag effect going on, but Democrats did not like how that shutdown turned out,” Enten said. “They have returned against Democrats in Congress.”
When your critics are loud, you can dismiss them.
When your allies turn, the verdict is already in.
How are voters feeling about Democrats?
CNN: "Democrats, in the minds of the American public, are lower than the Dead Sea." pic.twitter.com/XHjWQNyzf0
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) December 18, 2025
