Only 28% of Americans view the Republican Party favorably, the lowest mark for either party in Gallup polling dating back to 1992, when they started asking that question. The latest Gallup survey, taken amid an ongoing federal government shutdown for which most have blamed Republicans so far, plunges the GOP's favorability levels 10 points from where they were in September. More than six in 10 Americans (62%) now view the Republican Party unfavorably, also a record-high in Gallup polling. The previous low for the GOP came in 1999, when only 31% of people viewed the party favorably. That was during the impeachment proceedings of President Clinton. Democrats have a more measured favorable-to-unfavorable split at 43-49. The 43% favorability level is down four points from last month. And President Barack Obama's approval rating stands at 44%, compared with 51% who disapprove. Here's a chart of the historical trend:
